H & FW Dept intensifies 100 Days Campaign to Eliminate Tuberculosis in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: 22/01/2025:The Health and Family Welfare (H&FW) Department of Odisha has intensified its efforts towards eliminating Tuberculosis (TB) through a focused and collaborative approach. As part of this initiative, a 100 Days Intensified Campaign was launched on December 7, 2024, targeting 20 high TB mortality districts in the state.

The 100 Days Intensified Campaign is aimed at reducing both TB incidence and mortality by actively screening and diagnosing TB cases among vulnerable populations. The 20 target districts include Balangir, Bargarh, Bhadrak, Boudh, Cuttack, Deogarh, Ganjam, Jagatsingpur, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Kendrapada, Keonjhar, Koraput, Malkangiri, Mayurbhanj, Puri, Rayagada, Sambalpur, Sonepur, and Sundargarh.

As of January 21, 2025, 60% of the vulnerable population—including previous TB patients, household contacts of TB patients, people with malnutrition, diabetics, individuals living with HIV, elderly persons (over 60 years), smokers, and alcoholics—has been successfully mapped and screened for TB. A total of 4,668 TB cases have been diagnosed across these 20 districts.
In line with the ongoing campaign, Health and Family Welfare Commissioner-cum-Secretary Aswathy S. and Mission Director of the National Health Mission (NHM) Dr. Brundha D. held a meeting with the Collectors of the 20 campaign districts to review the progress, address challenges, and discuss further action points for improving outcomes. The following key actions were emphasized during the meeting:
Regular Monitoring: District authorities should conduct weekly reviews of campaign activities to assess the quality of interventions and ensure effective results. Nutritional Support: The Panchayati Raj Department should provide additional nutritional support to active TB patients under the PMTBMBA scheme using the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) Budget.

Strategic Partnerships: Strengthening collaborations with NGOs, corporates, and other stakeholders such as Ni-kshay Mitras will help ensure a comprehensive approach to TB care, including nutrition and social support for patients.Enhanced Screening: Departments overseeing congregate settings, residential institutions, industries, and other vulnerable areas will receive clear guidance to ensure saturation of TB screening and service delivery. Addressing Challenges: Districts lagging are urged to take immediate corrective actions to address gaps and keep the campaign on track.

The campaign has garnered significant support from various sectors, including government, civil society, and stakeholders, all working together towards achieving a TB-free Odisha. The Health and Family Welfare Department remains committed to eliminating TB in the state through sustained efforts, strategic collaboration, and robust service delivery.