1,794 persons diagnosed with TB in three weeks of intensified campaign in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu's 'Nikshay Shivir' campaign diagnosed 1,794 TB cases in 3 weeks, targeting vulnerable populations for early treatment.

Within three weeks of launching an intensified tuberculosis screening campaign, a total of 1,794 persons were diagnosed with the disease in Tamil Nadu.

In line with India’s mission to eliminate TB by 2025, the government of Tamil Nadu launched ‘Nikshay Shivir’ - Kasanoi Illaa Tamil Nadu Campaign - across 22 districts on December 7. The 100-day campaign focuses on proactive TB screening, awareness creation and comprehensive care particularly targeting vulnerable populations.

Since its launch, around 1.4 lakh persons with presumptive TB were identified through verbal screening (symptom screening including fever and cold). Of them, 43,203 persons were offered any one test - either sputum or X-ray. Out of them, 1,794 patients were diagnosed with TB, Asha Frederick, State TB Officer, said.

“The aim of the drive is to increase awareness. The drive focuses on the vulnerable population such as persons with diabetes, family members of past TB patients and past TB patients themselves. Through Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam, we have a list of persons with diabetes. We have generated a block-wise line list for the campaign,” she said.

The intensified TB screening drive aims at identifying cases early and initiating timely treatment. Vulnerable populations including those living in urban slums, tribal areas and underprivileged settings are the primary beneficiaries of the initiative, an official release said.

Mobile diagnostic units, equipped with digital X-ray machines and Truenat/GeneXpert diagnostic tools, travel to remote and underserved areas to conduct TB screenings. It also facilitates on-the-spot diagnosis as those suspected to have TB undergo immediate sputum testing and chest X-rays, ensuring rapid diagnosis and initiation of treatment.

The campaign includes an extensive sensitisation component to address the stigma surrounding TB and to promote awareness. Localised health camps, street plays, and interactive sessions are organised to educate communities about TB prevention, symptoms and treatment adherence.