The Tamil Nadu government has announced plans to screen 80 lakh persons diagnosed with diabetes for tuberculosis (TB). This initiative is part of the state's efforts to eliminate TB by 2025. Health Secretary Supriya Sahu stated that organizations like REACH and its TB Champions program would play a crucial role in connecting with high-risk individuals.
Tamil Nadu has made significant progress in TB case notification and treatment outcomes in recent years. The case notification rate stands at 124 per 1,00,000 population, and the treatment success rate is 85%. However, the state aims to increase this rate to 96-97%. The treatment success rate for drug-resistant TB is also a challenge, but Tamil Nadu has improved it to over 70%.
The government has spent ₹2.1 crore on nutritional support for 13,933 persons with TB. The state has a network of 461 TB units and close to 200 microscopy centers. Health Secretary Sahu emphasized the need for cutting-edge medical science, technology, trained manpower, and community engagement to succeed in the National TB Elimination Program.
Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine T.S. Selvavinayagam noted that bi-directional screening for persons with diabetes is crucial. 80 lakh persons with diabetes have been identified, but reaching them is a significant challenge. The role of TB champions is essential in capacity building and advocacy.
Stephane Laroche, Regional Controller, USAID/India, highlighted the success of the TB Champions movement, which began in 2019 with 200 champions and has now expanded to 30,000. TB champions have played a vital role in India's fight against TB.
The Health Secretary released the TN ALLIES Impact Report, which showcased the project's achievements in improving the quality of care and services for people affected by TB. The project was implemented in 15 districts across four states, including Tamil Nadu.
The Community Accountability Framework (CAF) was central to the project, aiming to improve the quality of care through a community-led monitoring approach. The report found that the quality of care improved at 82 TB units and facilities in six districts. 17,472 persons with TB provided feedback on the quality of care through the CAF.
The ALLIES project also implemented the Differentiated Care Model, which screened newly diagnosed people for clinical and social vulnerabilities. Three out of four people with TB were found to have at least one vulnerability.
The meeting was attended by various dignitaries, including Suhasini Maniratnam, actor and TB survivor, and representatives from REACH, USAID, and the Tamil Nadu government.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Vaishnavi Dalvi/MSM)
