President Murmu Calls for Unified Action to Achieve a TB-Free India
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Synopsis
On the eve of World Tuberculosis Day, President Droupadi Murmu stressed the need for a unified effort to eliminate TB. She praised the National TB Elimination Programme for its role in raising awareness and highlighted the importance of early diagnosis and treatment in the fight against this disease.
Key Takeaways
- President Murmu calls for united action against TB.
- The National TB Elimination Programme is crucial for awareness.
- This year's theme is 'Commit, Invest, and Deliver.'
- Early diagnosis is essential for effective treatment.
- India has made significant progress in reducing TB cases.
New Delhi, March 23 (NationPress) On the verge of World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, celebrated annually on March 24, President Droupadi Murmu highlighted the necessity of eradicating TB through collective and committed action.
In her address, President Murmu acknowledged the National TB Elimination Programme, operated by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, for its role in enhancing awareness and mobilizing public participation in the battle against the disease.
“On World Tuberculosis Day, I commend the National Campaign spearheaded by the National TB Elimination Programme under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to foster awareness through community involvement,” President Murmu remarked.
This year’s theme for World TB Day, ‘Yes, we can end TB: Commit, Invest, and Deliver,’ underscores the urgency for a global pledge to eradicate this infectious disease.
President Murmu recognized that TB continues to pose a significant health challenge, impacting millions globally from both social and economic perspectives.
She pointed out that India’s persistent efforts through the National TB Elimination Programme have resulted in a notable reduction in TB cases over the last ten years.
Commending this progress, she urged all stakeholders to maintain their collaboration to reach the goal of making India TB-free.
Just prior to World Tuberculosis Day, the Health Ministry reiterated that early diagnosis of TB is vital for successful treatment.
In a social media message, the Ministry encouraged individuals to identify TB symptoms early and seek testing when necessary.
Common indicators of pulmonary TB include a chronic cough lasting longer than two weeks, night sweats, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, evening fever, fatigue, blood in sputum, and unexplained weight loss.
According to the WHO Global TB Report 2024, India has achieved significant reductions in TB cases.
From 2015 to 2023, TB incidence in India decreased by 17.7 percent, surpassing the global average decline of 8.3 percent.
Furthermore, TB-related deaths saw a reduction of 21.4 percent, dropping from 28 per lakh population in 2015 to 22 per lakh in 2023.
