Jagat Prakash Nadda
On this World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, I reflect with immense pride on how India is rewriting the playbook in the fight against TB. The recently concluded 100-day Intensified TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan has not only demonstrated the power of innovation but has also shown that mobilizing communities is just as crucial as transforming the programmatic approach. The campaign was launched on 7th , December2024 with the objectives to Accelerate TB case detection, Reduce mortality and Prevent new cases.
The 100-day Intensified TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan introduced cutting-edge strategies to detect TB early, ensuring that even those without symptoms – who would have otherwise gone undiagnosed – were identified and treated. Portable X-ray machines were taken directly to high-risk individuals, including people with diabetes, smokers, alcohol consumers, those living with HIV, the elderly, those with low BMI and household contacts of TB patients. Artificial intelligence-powered X-rays flagged suspected TB cases instantly, and confirmation was done using gold-standard Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAAT). These efforts ensured that contagious cases were identified and treated quickly, curbing transmission and saving lives.
The campaign reached every corner of the country, screening 12.97 crore people belonging to vulnerable populations. This intensive effort led to the notification of 7.19 lakh TB patients, out of which 2.85 lakh cases were asymptomatic and would have otherwise been missed but for this innovative approach, thus breaking the chain of TB infection. This is more than just a milestone – it’s a turning point.
TB- Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan: A people’s movement
But the real game-changer wasn’t just the technology – it was the unprecedented mobilization of communities. TB elimination is now a mass movement powered by Jan Bhagidari (people’s participation). Across India, over 13.46 lakh Nikshay Shivirs were held, where more than 30,000 elected representatives, including MPs, MLAs, and representatives of PRIs and ULBs stepped up to support the 100 day TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. Corporate partners and ordinary citizens joined the campaign, reinforcing the idea that TB elimination is not just a government responsibility but a collective mission. And in this mission Jan Bhagidari was exemplified across the States /UTs where in more than 35000 activities like TB awareness, nutrition kit distribution, undertaking pledge for TB free India etc was carried out across 22 line ministries. Similarly more than 21000 activities were held with PSUs, Trade associations, Business associations, voluntary organisations and more than 7.7 lakh students across 78000 educational institutions participated in TB awareness and sensitisation activities. Screening and testing of more than 4.17 lakhs vulnerable population was undertaken in congregate settings like prisons, mines, tea gardens, construction sites and work places. More than 21000 TB awareness activities were held on festivals during the campaign duration involving faith based leaders and community influencers.
The vision of our PM, which laid the foundation stone of Jan-Bhagidari, mobilized extensive social support for adoption of patients not only for nutrition but also psychosocial and vocational support. Support for TB patients is no longer limited to hospitals – it is happening at homes, in villages, and at workplaces. Through the Ni-kshay Mitra initiative, individuals and organizations are providing nutritional support to TB-affected families, with thousands of food baskets already delivered. In just 100 days, 1,05,181 new Ni-kshay Mitras were enrolled. Recognizing the critical link between nutrition and TB recovery, the Government has doubled financial assistance under the Nikshay Poshan Yojana from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 per month, ensuring that no TB patient fights this battle alone.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is also providing tailored and personalised treatment for TB patients under the Differentiated TB care program. For instance, if a TB patient is found to be underweight (with a BMI < 18.5 kg/m2), their healthcare providers will chart out a tailored nutrition and treatment plan and monitor their progress each month during treatment.
Building on the momentum of the 100-day campaign
The momentum of this campaign has also demonstrated how a whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach can drive transformative change. 22 ministries joined forces to integrate TB awareness and services into everyday life. TB awareness floats became a highlight of the Goa Carnival parades. In schools across the country, TB awareness messages were incorporated into morning assemblies. The Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises leveraged its network of cluster offices to offer free TB screenings to thousands of visitors. These diverse efforts shattered stigma, corrected misinformation and put TB elimination at the centre of public consciousness.
The 100-day campaign is just the beginning. India is all set to scale up these efforts nationwide, ensuring that every citizen – regardless of where they live – has access to modern diagnostics, quality treatment, and unwavering community support. Just as India rapidly scaled up COVID-19 testing, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is investing in next-generation TB diagnostics to bring faster and more accurate testing to the last mile.
India has witnessed the power of community-driven action before – whether through Swachh Bharat Mission or our Polio eradication drive. Similarly, TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan is now becoming another people led movement. When innovation meets access, and when governments, communities & individuals unite the impossible becomes reality.
India is not just fighting TB-we are defeating it.
(The author is the Union Health and Family Welfare Minister, Government of India)
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