Siddharthnagar (Uttar Pradesh) [India], March 6: A dedicated team of experts in Siddharthnagar district, Uttar Pradesh, is working tirelessly on the 100-day Intensive Tuberculosis (TB) Elimination Drive. The initiative, part of the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), aims to reduce TB-related deaths and prevent new infections by the end of 2025.
District Magistrate Dr. Raja Ganapati R shared that Siddharthnagar has established a “war room” for monitoring every step of the elimination campaign. Over the past year, 216 gram panchayats in the district have been declared TB-free. The authorities have screened over 12 lakh people, identifying 25% of the population as vulnerable, with 2,340 people diagnosed and provided with Nikshay Poshan kits.
“Our goal is to achieve TB elimination from Siddharthnagar by 2025. We’re tracking daily progress and providing timely feedback,” Dr. Ganapati said.
He outlined the key challenges the district faces: mobilizing the community (Jan Bhagidari) and addressing infrastructure limitations. To encourage participation, the team worked closely with Gram Pradhans, motivating them and recognizing high performers with awards like the Bronze Statue of Mahatma Gandhi. In the second and third consecutive years, these panchayats can earn Silver and Gold Statues for maintaining their TB-free status.
State Tuberculosis Officer Dr. Shailendra Bhatnagar highlighted that vulnerable groups, including malnourished individuals, alcoholics, smokers, people with a history of TB, and those living in slums, jails, or nariniketans, are at higher risk for TB. He explained the rigorous testing process: individuals showing symptoms undergo NAAT and X-ray tests, while asymptomatic individuals are screened through X-rays to detect TB.
A 20-year-old TB warrior, Anjali, shared her inspiring story. Diagnosed with TB in 2021, she initially sought treatment at a private hospital but found no relief. An ASHA worker then guided her to a district hospital where she received the right treatment and Nikshay Poshan Kit. After eight months of treatment, she was TB-free. Anjali, now a TB warrior herself, motivates others to openly seek treatment and break the stigma surrounding the disease.
The 100-day drive is a critical part of the National Health Mission’s efforts to eradicate TB from India, focusing on early detection, treatment, and reducing social stigma.