Jitan Ram Manjhi Takes Pledge for TB-Free India
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Synopsis
Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi led a pledge for 'TB Mukt Bharat' in New Delhi, showcasing a collaborative government effort against tuberculosis in India. The initiative aims to eradicate TB by March 2024, with support from various MSME sectors in prioritized districts.
Key Takeaways
- Whole of Government Approach being implemented
- 347 high-priority districts targeted
- Campaign runs until March 24, 2024
- Focus on clean environments and nutrition
- Encouragement for TB patients to seek treatment
New Delhi, Jan 29 (NationPress) Highlighting a commendable instance of the ‘whole of government approach’ to combat tuberculosis (TB) in India, Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Jitan Ram Manjhi administered a pledge for ‘TB Mukt Bharat’.
“The entire Ministry, including field offices such as KVIC, NSIC, Coir Board, ni-msme, MGIRI, DFOs, tool rooms, and technology centres, participated in this initiative virtually,” a statement from the MSME revealed.
The Ministry of MSME plays a crucial role as a partner to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) in their 100-day intensified campaign for TB Mukt Bharat.
This campaign, which commenced on December 7, 2024, is set to run until March 24, with the objective of eradicating TB in India five years ahead of the global deadline.
For this 100-day initiative, the Health Ministry has identified 347 high-priority districts across 33 States/UTs.
“The Ministry of MSME will support this initiative,” stated Manjhi, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a clean environment and ensuring nutritious food.
Wishing the campaign great success, he also encouraged “TB patients to come forward and seek necessary treatment, particularly in rural areas.”
Field offices and industry associations of MSME will aid the campaign through resource mobilization, awareness generation, and intensified actions in prioritized States/Districts.
Additionally, Ni-kshay Shivir (screening camps) will be organized in MSME and industrial hubs in consultation with the State nodal health department from February 3-15.
“This coordinated effort is a prime example of the ‘Whole of Government Approach’ for greater impact and reach,” stated the MSME Ministry.
According to the Health Ministry, the rates of this deadly infectious disease and related fatalities have significantly decreased in India.
The incidence of TB in India has dropped by 17.7 percent, from 237 per 100,000 population in 2015 to 195 per 100,000 population in 2023. TB-related deaths have also fallen by 21.4 percent, from 28 per lakh population in 2015 to 22 per lakh population in 2023.
Nonetheless, India reported 28 lakh TB cases in 2024, representing 26 percent of the global TB burden, as per the World Health Organization (WHO).
The country also recorded approximately 3.15 lakh TB-related deaths, accounting for 29 percent of global TB mortality.
