"India’s TB Elimination Programme Makes Strides with Highest Ever Notifications and Innovations in Diagnostic Tools"
Summary: The National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) has achieved significant milestones in TB control, with the highest ever number of notifications, and innovations in diagnostic tools, such as hand-held X-ray devices, artificial intelligence-based reporting, and molecular diagnostic tests. The programme is steadily progressing towards the goal of eliminating TB by 2025.
Introduction:
The National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) has made significant strides in TB control, with a focus on innovations in diagnostic tools, treatment regimens, and prevention strategies. Union Minister of State for Health, Anupriya Patel, highlighted India’s progress in TB control and the pivotal role of innovation in this mission.
Key Highlights:
- NTEP notified 25.5 lakh and 26.07 lakh TB cases in 2023 and 2024, respectively, the highest ever.
- Innovations in diagnostic tools:
- Hand-held X-ray devices for TB screening
- Artificial intelligence-based reporting for chest X-ray films
- CyTb skin test for detection of latent TB infection
- PathoDetectTM molecular diagnostic NAAT test
- Quantiplus MTB FAST Detection Kit
- Launch of the 100-day intensified campaign to mobilize resources, raise awareness, and intensify actions against TB in high-priority districts.
- Development of new treatment regimens, such as a shorter and safer oral Bedaquiline-containing drug-resistant TB treatment regimen.
- Introduction of mBPaL treatment regimen for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB).
- Energy-Dense Nutritional Support (EDNS) for under-nourished TB patients.
- Launch of Ni-kshay Mitra Initiative to provide additional support to TB patients.
Conclusion:
The National TB Elimination Programme is steadily progressing towards its goal of eliminating TB by 2025, with innovative diagnostic tools, treatment regimens, and prevention strategies. The programme’s achievements, including the highest ever number of notifications, demonstrate the significant progress made in TB control. The continued focus on innovation and improvement will help India reach its goal of eliminating TB.
Keywords: National TB Elimination Programme, TB Elimination, India, Tuberculosis, Diagnostic Tools, Treatment Regimens, Prevention Strategies, Innovation, 100-day Intensified Campaign, Ni-kshay Mitra Initiative.
Hashtags: #TBElimination #NationalTBEliminationProgramme #India #TBPrevention #TBControl #InnovationInHealthcare #HealthcareInnovation #TB Diagnosis #TB Treatment