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New Delhi, India – In a landmark step towards eradicating tuberculosis (TB), Union Health Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda chaired a high-level meeting with Chief Ministers, Lieutenant Governors, and State Health Ministers to review and reinforce the ongoing 100-day Intensified TB Elimination Campaign. Held virtually, the meeting focused on collaborative efforts to achieve TB elimination by 2025, emphasizing community mobilization, inter-ministerial cooperation, and political leadership.
Shri JP Nadda underscored the campaign’s progress and urged states to intensify monitoring efforts, involve local leaders and Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), and encourage elected representatives to take an active role. He highlighted the significance of the Jan Bhagidari (community participation) approach in fostering collective action to combat the disease.
India Outpaces Global TB Decline Rate
The Union Health Minister proudly announced that India has achieved a TB decline rate of 17.7% between 2015 and 2024—double the global average of 8.3%. Additionally, TB-related deaths have dropped by 21.4% over the past decade, reflecting significant progress.
“Our states already have a two-month stock of TB medicines, and we are working to ensure a six-month advance supply in every state,” Shri Nadda said. He emphasized the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment through innovative strategies like Differentiated TB Care and increased nutritional support under the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana.
Campaign Objectives and Progress
The 100-day campaign is being implemented across 347 high-priority districts, offering comprehensive, patient-centric services. Advanced diagnostic technologies and intensified case-finding initiatives aim to reduce delays in diagnosis and treatment. Community mobilization activities, such as 80,000 Ni-kshay Shivirs and Gram Sabhas, are central to the campaign.
Since the campaign’s launch, over 53 lakh vulnerable individuals have been screened, leading to the identification of 22,178 new TB patients. Financial assistance totaling ₹416 crores has been disbursed to 16 lakh beneficiaries under the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana, while 1,630 new Ni-kshay Mitras have adopted over 12,000 patients.
Chief Ministers’ Pledges and Best Practices
Chief Ministers from states like Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat commended the Centre’s efforts and pledged their continued support. Madhya Pradesh’s Chief Minister highlighted the state’s Jan Jagrukta Abhiyan, which focuses on raising TB awareness and providing food baskets to patients. Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat shared insights into their enhanced TB screening and testing initiatives.
Key Takeaways and the Path Forward
The meeting concluded with a call for united efforts across government departments, NGOs, and the private sector. Shri Nadda urged stakeholders to adopt TB patients as Ni-kshay Mitras and promote the campaign through public events. Recognizing community champions and mobilizing resources were also emphasized as critical components of the strategy.
With over 1.8 lakh Ni-kshay Mitras already supporting 8.63 lakh TB patients, the campaign continues to inspire collective action. The Union Health Minister reaffirmed India’s commitment to ending TB by 2025, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Background
The Intensified TB Elimination Campaign represents India’s most ambitious health drive to tackle TB, a disease that remains a major public health challenge. The Centre and states are working together to ensure that no one is left behind in this fight against TB.
The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Union Health Secretary Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava and state Mission Directors of the National Health Mission, who reiterated their dedication to achieving the campaign’s objectives.
