The Uttar Pradesh government is taking a major step in the fight against tuberculosis (TB) by launching a 100-day TB search campaign. This important initiative, which started on December 7, aims to help India achieve its goal of eliminating TB by 2025 as part of the Stop TB campaign.

Why This Campaign is Important

TB is a serious disease that can spread easily if not detected and treated in time. Uttar Pradesh has identified 15 high-risk districts where the number of TB cases and the mortality rate are higher than the national average of 3.6%. These districts also have fewer TB cases identified than the national average. The campaign will help locate and treat new TB patients, reduce deaths, and stop the disease from spreading to healthy individuals.

Key Features of the Campaign

Principal Secretary of Health and Family Welfare, Partha Sarthi Sen Sharma, shared that the campaign will run until March 24, 2025. Here’s what the campaign focuses on:

1. Tracing, Testing, and Treatment: Efforts will focus on identifying TB patients by screening people with TB symptoms. Tests like X-rays and NAT machines will confirm cases. Those diagnosed will receive immediate treatment.
2. Preventive Treatment: To prevent the spread of the disease, family members and close contacts of TB patients will receive TB Preventive Treatment (TPT).
3. Nikshay Poshan Yojana: TB patients undergoing treatment will benefit from government support schemes, including nutritional assistance under this program.
4. Death Audits: Special attention will be given to auditing and understanding every TB-related death to improve care and prevention measures.
5. Multi-Level Action: The campaign will involve efforts from village-level health centers to advanced healthcare facilities, ensuring everyone has access to screening and treatment.

Innovative Approaches for Awareness and Support

To ensure the success of the campaign, the government is incorporating innovative methods:

• Nikshay Vahan: Mobile medical units will visit communities to raise awareness about TB and encourage people to get tested.
• Nikshay Mitras: Volunteers will be encouraged to adopt TB patients, offering them additional support during their treatment.

Coordination and Collaboration

The campaign involves the cooperation of 18 departments, including the health department and voluntary organizations, to reach as many people as possible. Special instructions have been issued by Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh to ensure smooth execution of the campaign.

Aiming for a TB-Free Future

According to Dr. Shailendra Bhatnagar, the state tuberculosis officer, this campaign will focus on screening high-risk populations and providing prompt treatment. By addressing high-risk areas and populations, expanding TB screening, and strengthening inter-departmental coordination, Uttar Pradesh is taking bold steps toward achieving India’s target of eliminating TB by 2025.

Conclusion

The 100-day TB search campaign is a commendable initiative that highlights the Uttar Pradesh government’s commitment to public health. Through innovative strategies, awareness drives, and effective treatment plans, this campaign will save lives and bring India closer to its goal of becoming TB-free. Let’s support this mission and spread awareness about the importance of early detection and treatment of tuberculosis.

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