Agencies
NEW DELHI, Dec 7: The rate of decline of tuberculosis incidence in India has doubled since 2015 and is ahead of the global average, Union Health Minister JP Nadda said on Saturday while inaugurating a nationwide campaign in Haryana's Panchkula to reduce such cases and mortality due to it. The 100-day TB elimination campaign will be implemented in 347 districts of 33 states where the prevalence of the disease is higher. The campaign is focused on enhancing detection, reducing diagnostic delays and improving treatment outcomes.
"We will take detection, tests, treatment and supportive strategies forward at a fast pace under this programme," Nadda said.
The Union health minister highlighted the country's long struggle in its fight against tuberculosis, saying that at one time TB was considered 'slow death'.
"Even family members suffering from TB were isolated to prevent its spread. Since 1962, there have been many campaigns against tuberculosis, but in 2018 the prime minister put forth a vision to end TB much before the 2030 deadline of the Sustainable Development Goals," "We changed strategies to achieve the aim. Services have been decentralised and now, 1,73,000 AAMs (Ayushman Arogya Mandirs) will have the facilities to detect and treat tuberculosis," the Union health minister said.
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