India has set a target of eradicating tuberculosis by 2025
Context
During 102nd episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’, Prime Minister mentioned that India has set a target of eradicate Tuberculosis (TB) by 2025 and ‘Ni-kshay Mitra’ has taken charge of this movement against the disease.- The Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (Ni-kshay Mitra Initiative) has been implemented by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
- India’s TB incidence rate stands at 196 per 1,00,000 population, instead of the 210 estimated by the WHO, and the estimated deaths from the communicable disease stand at 3.20 lakh, instead of the 94 lakh that was projected in 2021.
- The Health Ministry noted that as per this data, the global TB reduction numbers stand at 11% while the reduction in TB cases in India is 18%.
About TB:
- TB is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis, belonging to the Mycobacteriaceae family consisting of about 200 members.
- In humans, TB most commonly affects the lungs (pulmonary TB), but it can also affect other organs (extra-pulmonary TB).
- TB is a very ancient disease and has been documented to have existed in Egypt as early as 3000 BC.
- TB is a treatable and curable disease.
- Transmission: TB is spread from person to person through the air. When people with lung TB cough, sneeze or spit, they propel the TB germs into the air.
- Objective:
- Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan’ has been envisioned to bring together all community stakeholders to support those on TB treatment and accelerate the country’s progress towards TB elimination.
- Need of the initiative:
- It stated that 79,144 deaths due to tuberculosis were reported in 2019, which is much lower than the WHO estimate of 4 lakh fatalities. Hence, is important to eliminate Tuberculosis (TB).
- Components of the scheme:
- The Ni-kshay Mitra initiative will also be launched, which forms a vital component of the `Abhiyaan’.
- The Ni-kshay Mitra portal provides a platform for donors to provide various forms of support to those undergoing TB treatment.
- The three-pronged support includes nutritional, additional diagnostic and vocational
- The donors, called Ni-kshay Mitras who can be a wide range of stakeholders from elected representatives, political parties, to corporates, NGOs, and individuals.
- National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP)
- National Strategic Plan (NSP) for Tuberculosis Elimination (2017-2025)
- TB Harega Desh Jeetega Campaign
- TB Free India Campaign
- Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP)
- International Union Against
- Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union)