Context: The government has launched a 100-day intensified TB [Tuberculosis] Mukt Bharat Abhiyan across 347 priority districts in 33 states and Union Territories.
- The campaign aims to identify undiagnosed TB cases, reduce TB-related deaths, and prevent new infections using a fresh approach.
- Out of all the districts, 38 are tribal, 27 are mining, and 46 are aspirational.
- India is progressing against the SDG goals at a far greater pace than the global average, with a decline in TB incidence by 16% and in TB deaths by 18% from 2015 to 2022 (as per Global TB Report 2023).
About 100 Days Campaign
- The 100 Days Campaign aims to identify missing TB cases early, preventing the spread of infection and making communities TB-free.
- It targets vulnerable groups (e.g., those with HIV, diabetes, malnutrition, smokers, alcoholics) who are at higher risk of active TB but may delay seeking treatment.
- The mission focuses on early treatment, managing risk factors, and providing TB preventive treatment (TPT) to eligible contacts and vulnerable populations to prevent TB-related deaths.
Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (PMTBMBA)
- It was launched by the Honorable President of India on September 9, 2022.
- PMTBMBA initiative is to bring together people from all backgrounds into a ‘Jan Andolan’ and escalate the progress toward TB elimination.
- A donor under this program is called a Nikshay-Mitra including individuals, NGOs, cooperative societies, faith-based organizations, corporates, political parties, and others.
- A Nikshay-Mitra can adopt a minimum of one TB patient who has consented to treatment for at least six months.
- Under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP), TB patients receive free diagnostics and medicines.
- In 2018, the government introduced the Nikshay Poshan Yojana, providing free nutritional support of Rs. 500 per month to all registered TB patients until they complete treatment.
Objectives of the Programme
- This initiative will increase the active involvement of society in the fight against tuberculosis.
- This activity aims at increasing awareness among the public regarding Tuberculosis.
- Involvement of the community in supporting the treatment cascade and shall also help in the reduction of stigma.
- Provision of additional support to the TB patient shall also result in the reduction of the out-of-pocket expenditure for the family of the TB patient.
- Ultimately improved nutrition for the TB patient shall result in better treatment outcomes
What is Tuberculosis?
- It is commonly known as TB is a highly infectious disease caused by a bacterium known as Mycobacterium Tuberculosis.
- TB is an airborne disease that spreads through coughing, sneezing, or talking. Not everyone infected develops TB, but the risk of it becoming active depends on various social and medical factors.
- Undernutrition weakens the immune system, increasing the risk of an infection turning into active TB, while good nutrition helps strengthen immunity.