TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan: Science and Jan Bhagidari Drive Elimination

Context: TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan

India has launched a 100-day Intensified TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, focusing on science + jan bhagidari to accelerate TB elimination.

1) Tuberculosis Basics

1. Bacterial disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis
2. Spread through air (cough/sneeze)
3. Mainly affects lungs
4. Many cases are asymptomatic (silent spread)
5. Requires early detection + long-term treatment

2) Key Data from Article

1. 21% decline in TB incidence since 2015
2. 25% decline in TB deaths since 2015
3. 50% patients do not show typical symptoms
4. 20+ crore people screened
5. 32.65 lakh TB cases detected
6. 10.9 lakh asymptomatic cases identified
7. 2 lakh+ MY Bharat volunteers registered
8. 3.75 lakh Indians helped, including 1,000 evacuated from Iran

3) Core Strategy

3.1 Jan Bhagidari

• Community participation, panchayats, TB vijetas
• Focus on awareness + stigma reduction

3.2 Proactive Screening Shift

• From passive → targeted screening of high-risk groups
• Focus on urban slums, migrants

3.3 Technology Use

• AI-enabled handheld X-ray devices
• Nikshay Vahans for mobile testing
• Molecular diagnostics at community level

4) Institutional Approach

1. Coordination with 25 ministries
2. Integration of community + health system
3. Focus on treatment adherence and dignity