Bhubaneswar:  In a decisive move to eliminate tuberculosis (TB) and address its challenges, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Mukesh Mahaling on Saturday launched the “100-Day Intensified TB Campaign” to combat TB incidence and mortality in the State. The campaign would be implemented in 19 districts of Odisha, marking a major step in strengthening the State’s efforts towards TB elimination.

The campaign will be rolled out in the districts including Balangir, Bargarh, Bhadrak, Boudh, Cuttack, Deogarh, Ganjam, Jagatsinghpur, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Kendrapada, Keonjhar, Koraput, Malkangiri, Mayurbhanj, Puri, Rayagada, Subarnapur, and Sundargarh.

The focus is on reaching underserved communities and high-risk groups to reduce TB transmission and ensure equitable access to TB services.

Both Central and State governments are committed to reduce the burden of TB and improve health outcomes across the State. Prime Minister  Narendra Modi Ji has set an aim to achieve the end TB target by 2025. These targets are reduction of TB incidence by 80% as compared to 2015 baseline, reduction of TB mortality by 90% as compared to 2015 baseline and zero catastrophic expenditure for the families affected with TB, Health Minister Dr Mahaling said.

As part of the campaign, Dr Mahaling unveiled advocacy and information, education, and communication (IEC) materials to raise awareness about TB prevention and treatment, and appealed people to join hands in the campaign to make “TB Mukt Odisha” and “TB Mukt Bharat”.

The Health Minister also flagged off the Ni-kshay Vahan, a fleet of vehicles that will enhance access to diagnostics, screening, and treatment services in remote areas. The Ni-kshay Mitra programme aims to provide nutritional support to TB patients and their families, as well as improve care for high-risk individuals.

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