Srinagar- In a major step towards eradicating tuberculosis (TB) in the region, three districts in Kashmir—Budgam, Anantnag, and Pulwama—have been officially declared TB-free. This milestone was highlighted during the launch of the 100-day intensified campaign under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP), which was virtually inaugurated by Sakeena Itoo, the Minister for Health and Medical Education, on Saturday.
In addition to the TB-free status of these districts, Jammu and Kashmir has also received a bronze medal in the Sub-National Certification category, and Srinagar and Kupwara districts were awarded gold certification.
The campaign, which aims to accelerate TB detection and treatment, has received strong support from local lawmakers, health professionals, and government officials.This campaign holds great importance as Tuberculosis (TB) is not only a health issue but also a major social and economic burden, particularly affecting the most vulnerable segments of our society. India accounts for approximately 27% 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.
The key goal of this initiative is to intensify TB detection, treatment, and awareness across Jammu and Kashmir, with a particular focus on vulnerable and high-risk populations such as malnourished individuals, diabetics, and tribal communities.
Minister Itoo emphasized the importance of a collective effort in eliminating TB, calling the campaign not just a government initiative but a people’s movement. “This campaign represents our unwavering commitment to achieving a TB-free Jammu and Kashmir,” she stated. She also highlighted the government’s focus on strengthening healthcare infrastructure, improving diagnostics, and ensuring no one is left behind in the fight against TB.
The 100-day campaign will prioritize Active Case Finding (ACF) through visits to high-risk communities, raising awareness about TB symptoms, prevention, and treatment, and providing both medical and psychological support for those undergoing treatment. Itoo also called on the community, healthcare providers, local stakeholders, and the general public to unite for the success of this initiative.
Health officials at the event, including Dr. Jehangir Bakshi, Director of Health Services, Kashmir, and Dr. Adhfar Yasien, State Tuberculosis Officer, Kashmir, reaffirmed their commitment to the campaign’s objectives. Dr. Bakshi mentioned that the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme in Kashmir has made significant progress, with three districts—Budgam, Anantnag, and Pulwama—declared TB-free. Furthermore, Srinagar and Kupwara districts have received Gold certification under the Sub-National Certification, and Jammu and Kashmir has been awarded a Bronze medal in the same category.
However, despite these advancements, challenges such as stigma, delayed diagnosis, and treatment dropouts persist, which the 100-day campaign seeks to address. Dr. Bakshi noted that over 15 million TB cases have been treated since the inception of the program, significantly improving detection and recovery rates.
The campaign also aims to promote collaboration between healthcare providers, public representatives, and civil society organizations. Meera Srivastava, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, urged all stakeholders to join forces in this battle against TB, stressing that a TB-free community will improve not only public health but also the social and economic well-being of the region.
At the end of the ceremony, two Ni-kshay Vahans were flagged off for the districts of Srinagar and Baramulla, marking the beginning of the campaign’s active phase. These vehicles will assist health teams in reaching out to remote areas to conduct TB detection and awareness activities.
The event concluded with a pledge to work towards a TB-free Jammu and Kashmir, with all participants committing to support the cause and help achieve the campaign’s ambitious goals.
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