New Delhi. : The Department of Social Work, Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) conducted a panel discussion on the pertinent subject of 'India’s Strategic 100-Day TB Campaign' on February 19, 2025. The eminent panel included Dr. B.K. Vashishat, Senior Advisor, State TB Cell, New Delhi; Dr. Umesh Kumar, District TB Officer, Chest Clinic, Nehru Nagar; and Dr. Laxmi Aravindan, WHO Consultant. The panel was designed to raise awareness and participation of young students in the 100 Days TB Elimination Campaign under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP). The NTEP, with a 100-day intensive campaign, aims to end TB in the country by 2025, five years ahead of the Sustainable Development Goal set for 2030. The campaign attempts to improve case detection, reduce diagnostic delays, and enhance treatment outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations.
While welcoming the resource persons, Prof Neelam Sukhramani, Head of the Department of Social Work, JMI highlighted how important it is for social workers to gain medical information and how important it is for social workers to address the psychosocial dimensions of TB.
The panellists discussed various aspects of the spread, symptoms, TB infection vs. disease, and TB contacts. The discussion was designed to build awareness about TB and also served to correct popular myths that stigmatise TB patients. For example, while working with the community, a general apprehension is of contracting the disease given its infectious nature. The panellists explained that for people with TB to spread the TB bacilli to those around them, the contact period for TB is around 6 hours, and the use of masks can contain this. The speakers focused on 4Ts – testing, tracking, treatment, and technology in TB elimination. The groups with a higher vulnerability include diabetic patients, alcoholics, smokers, malnourished, immune-compromised individuals, and those living in housing settlements with limited ventilation.
Speakers Dr. B.K. Vashishat, Dr. Umesh Kumar, provided valuable insights into the ongoing efforts at the state, district, and national levels. Under the Nikshay Poshan Yojana, patients receive Rs. 1000 per month and energy-dense nutritional supplements, which facilitate their recovery. Dr. Laxmi shared components of the 100-Day TB Campaign by highlighting Janbhagidari and Nikshay Mitra. She emphasised the importance of community participation and a commitment to providing emotional and nutritional support to TB patients. The speakers aimed to help students as future public health professionals and social workers. They explained their role in raising awareness and educating the community to ensure no one remains affected by this infectious disease.
The panel discussion was enlightening, showcasing the government's significant efforts toward eliminating TB in India. It also encouraged active participation from public health and social work students, emphasising the importance of a collective effort to achieve the goal of a TB-free India, as envisioned by the government. At the end of the event, all participants took a pledge to contribute to a TB-free India.
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