Kashmir targets TB elimination with intensified 100 day health campaign

Srinagar, Dec 08: Health Department Kashmir has launched 100 days of intensified campaign on Tuberculosis (TB) elimination at Kashmir Skill & Simulation Centre RIHFW Dhobiwan for Srinagar and Baramulla districts in Kashmir division.
Health officials said the campaign, organized by the Health and Medical Education Department, J&K was launched under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP).
“This campaign holds great importance as TB is not only a health issue but also a major social and economic burden, particularly affecting the most vulnerable segments of our society,” they said.
During the intensified campaign, health teams will focus on conducting active case findings by visiting high-risk and vulnerable populations, including malnourished individuals, diabetic, smokers, cancer patients, tribal communities and other at-risk groups.
“The goal is to detect TB cases early, raise awareness about its symptoms, prevention, and treatment and provide continuous medical and psychological support to ensure successful recovery,” the official said.
Additionally, community leaders, NGOs, corporate organizations, counsellors, health workers and other stakeholders will be engaged to serve as ambassadors for change.
The health department is accelerating efforts in TB elimination, reaching every corner, spreading awareness about disease and ensuring access to free and high-quality TB care.
Officials said that the NTEP in Kashmir has made remarkable progress. Three districts that include Budgam, Anantnag and Pulwama have already been declared TB-free.
Additionally, two districts, Srinagar and Kupwara, have received Gold certification under the Sub-National Certification and the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir has received a Bronze medal in the same category.
“Over 15 million TB cases have been successfully treated since the start of the program, and significant improvements in detection and recovery rates have been achieved due to better diagnostic and treatment tools,” officials said.
Despite these advancements, challenges such as stigma, late diagnosis, treatment dropouts and the 100-day campaign aim to address these issues through involvement of stakeholders.
Senior officers said that they have stressed the importance of ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight against TB and striving for a TB-free India.
Officials also said the valley has witnessed a decline in tuberculosis cases over the past three years owing to the extended testing and screening measures.
According to data from the Health Department Kashmir, there were 3,439 cases reported in 2021, followed by 3,396 cases in 2022, and a total of 2,956 cases have been reported in 2023.
Doctors said the directorate has initiated treatment of latent TB infection and is working to identify contacts of infected patients, which can significantly curb the spread of the disease.
The Health Ministry has set a target of reducing the incidence of new TB cases by 80 percent to end TB by 2025 while efforts toward TB elimination vary across States/Districts.
Health officials said India accounts for approximately 27 percent of the world’s TB cases, emphasizing the urgency of this ongoing fight. TB continues to claim lives, disrupt families, and reduce the productivity of entire communities.