Health Minister reviews progress in the fight against TB in the country
The Health Minister chaired a high-level meeting with all the states to review the mass movement against Tuberculosis (TB). This campaign is based on Advocacy, Communication and Social Mobilization (ACSM).
All states and union territories working with the TB program have developed plans to support the goal of eliminating TB by 2025. Significantly, this is a commitment of five years ahead of the 2030 target under the Sustainable Development Goals.
TB is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which most often affects the lungs.
It is an infectious disease, which spreads from person to person through the air. It can also affect other parts of the body such as the kidneys, spinal cord and brain.
In the year 2019, 87 percent of the total new cases of TB were from the 30 countries most affected by TB. Eight countries, including India, account for two-thirds of the total new cases of TB.
This disease is curable and preventable. Isoniazid, Rifampin, Ethambutol and Pyrazinamide are the 4 antimicrobial drugs approved for the treatment of TB.
Initiatives taken by the Government of India:
- Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP) has been renamed as National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP).
- E-Nikshay (Ni=End, Kshay=TB) Platform: It is a web-enabled patient management system for TB control.
- Nikshay Poshan Yojana has been launched to provide financial assistance to TB patients for their treatment. TB Harega Desh Jeetega Campaign is being conducted.
Source – PIB
