Union Health Minister chairs Joint Strategy Meeting on 100-Day TB Mukt Bharat campaign

Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, JP Nadda, chaired a Joint Strategy Meeting with representatives from 21 line ministries to discuss the ongoing 100-Day Intensified Campaign under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. Held at Vigyan Bhawan, the meeting highlighted efforts to eliminate tuberculosis (TB) by 2025 through a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach.

Addressing the gathering, Nadda emphasised the role of partnerships and community participation in achieving the campaign’s goals. He said, “Sustained partnerships, active participation, and a nationwide commitment are essential to achieving the ambitious goal of a TB-Free India.” He also highlighted the campaign’s spirit of Jan Bhagidaari (people’s participation) as an example of leveraging diverse strengths for TB elimination.

The event was attended by prominent ministers, including Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Labour and Employment; H. D. Kumaraswamy, Minister of Heavy Industries; Jual Oram, Minister of Tribal Affairs; and Smt. Annapurna Devi, Minister of Women and Child Development. Secretaries from ministries such as Panchayati Raj, Education, Railways, and AYUSH were also present, along with senior officials from the Union Health Ministry.

Nadda pointed out that the Prime Minister’s call to eliminate TB by 2025, five years ahead of the Sustainable Development Goals deadline, has made India a leader in the global fight against TB. Referring to a recent WHO report, he noted a 17.7 per cent reduction in TB cases in India, nearly double the global average. He added that treatment coverage had risen from 53 per cent to 85 per cent, and TB-related deaths declined by 21.4%, from 28 lakh to 22 lakh annually.

The first 30 days of the 100-day campaign saw the screening of over two crore individuals and the identification of 1.48 lakh new TB cases. Nadda called for a collaborative, whole-of-government approach to eliminate TB, stating, “The campaign exemplifies a united approach to TB elimination, leveraging the strengths of diverse stakeholders.”

Ministerial contributions:
Dr Mansukh Mandaviya highlighted the role of 156 ESIC hospitals in screening for TB and assured support from MyBharat volunteers to raise awareness and encourage screenings.

D. Kumaraswamy shared the roadmap for his ministry’s contributions and underscored the collaboration between the Health and Steel ministries.

Jual Oram pointed out the challenge of malnutrition among tribal populations, a contributing factor to TB. He cited initiatives like the “Millet Mission” as a measure to provide better nutrition to TB patients.

PratapRao Jadhav outlined the collaboration between AYUSH and Health ministries in tackling TB and stressed the role of nutrition in patient recovery.

Smt. Annpurna Devi discussed the involvement of 14 lakh Anganwadi workers in rural areas to ensure nutrition through Poshan Maah and Poshan Pakhwara activities. She noted their active role in reducing stigma and encouraging screenings.

Smt. Anupriya Patel stressed the importance of innovative field activities to engage communities and mobilise support for the campaign.

Commitment from ministries:
Senior officials from line ministries reaffirmed their commitment to eliminating TB, pledging continued collaboration to strengthen the campaign.

The TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan continues to build momentum, aiming to achieve its target of a TB-free India by 2025 through unified efforts across government ministries and community stakeholders.