Himachal commits to accelerate Tuberculosis elimination goals

New Delhi: To strengthen the Tuberculosis elimination goal in the state in Himachal Pradesh, the State Tuberculosis (TB) Cell, National Health Mission (NHM) – Himachal Pradesh, with the support from The Union Against Tuberculosis, organized a Media Engagement Session in Shimla on 19th October 2024.

The session aimed to discuss the roadmap to eliminate TB in Himachal Pradesh and equip media professionals with essential resources for impactful reporting on TB and other health challenges.

This event provided an excellent opportunity for media professionals to connect with health experts, community health workers, ASHAs, and TB Champions. Participants gained valuable insights into TB prevention strategies, control measures, and ongoing interventions at the state and national levels.

The event was graced by Priyanka Verma (IAS), Mission Director, National Health Mission, Himachal Pradesh, who lit the ceremonial lamp. Dr Ravinder Kumar, SPO NTEP, Himachal Pradesh, welcomed the attendees.

All the session speakers highlighted the critical role of strengthening health systems in Himachal Pradesh to realize the goals of the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP), by enhancing infrastructure, increasing access to diagnostic tools, and training healthcare workers, and building a robust foundation for TB elimination. Our focus on community-level engagement and innovative approaches ensures that every corner of the state is equipped to tackle this challenge, bringing us closer to a TB-free Himachal Pradesh.

Priyanka Verma (IAS), Mission Director, National Health Mission, focused on the importance of effective communication for health and the need to engage all stakeholders in the mission toward a TB-Free Himachal. She highlighted, “As Himachal Pradesh continues to make strides in TB elimination, it is important that we not only showcase our local progress but also compare our achievements to national and global standards. This broader narrative helps us highlight the innovative approaches taken in the state, such as the multi-sectoral engagement. The media plays a pivotal role in this effort by ensuring responsible reporting and disseminating accurate, impactful information to the public. In addition to spreading awareness, the media is instrumental in holding stakeholders accountable and providing the programmatic context needed to inspire collective action. By emphasizing data-driven stories, we can strengthen public trust and increase participation in the ongoing battle against TB.”

Dr Ravinder Kumar, State Program Officer (NTEP), highlighted the critical role of various interventions in TB control efforts across Himachal Pradesh. He said, “Himachal Pradesh has made great progress in TB elimination, driven by key interventions and the active involvement of Chemist Associations, SHGs, youth, medical colleges, and social media influencers. However, challenges remain in combating myths, reducing stigma, and building community support and the 347-district plan, while fostering healthy competition and collaboration between states. Media’s role in digital campaigns is crucial in promoting awareness and health-seeking behavior. We invite the media to join us in driving accurate information to help achieve a TB-free Himachal.”

Additionally, L.R. Sharma, IEC Officer, State TB Cell, Himachal Pradesh, delivered a special presentation showcasing the IEC materials developed to help normalize conversations around TB. These materials are part of a broader effort to reduce stigma and encourage open dialogue about TB prevention and treatment in the community.

The session underscored the critical role of media as essential stakeholders in the fight against TB, highlighting how effective media engagement can significantly contribute to TB elimination efforts. For example, in Kangra, the TB elimination efforts have been bolstered by strong community involvement and proactive media partnerships. What worked well was the collaboration with local media to raise awareness through proper messaging and reduce stigma. Engaging the media consistently has been crucial in keeping TB at the forefront of public discourse, ensuring wider participation in screening and treatment programs. By leveraging innovative media campaigns and engaging influential voices in the community, the message can be amplified to drive more individuals toward seeking necessary care.

The Government of Himachal Pradesh has implemented several innovative initiatives to eliminate tuberculosis in the state. Key efforts include the Sunday Active Case Finding (ACF) campaign, where ASHA workers screen vulnerable populations weekly, resulting in over 23 lakh individuals being screened in 2023, leading to 219 TB diagnoses. A Multisectoral Engagement approach involving 27 government departments has intensified community outreach, with 723 panchayats declared TB-free. Other impactful measures include the Chemist Engagement initiative, which has referred many presumptive cases, and the Indoor Ward Screening across hospitals, identifying thousands of potential TB cases. The state also launched an extensive Social Media Campaign, engaging influencers and elected representatives to raise awareness, and rolled out the 360° Campaign for public education, reaching millions. Additionally, the Meri TB Ki Kahaani initiative has mobilized over 700 TB Champions, strengthening grassroots support for TB elimination. These comprehensive efforts position Himachal Pradesh as a leader in TB control, with notable progress in reducing cases and increasing public participation.

The event also featured insightful sessions with TB Champions, ASHA workers, Chemists and Gram Sabha leaders, who shared their on-the-ground experiences in fighting TB. They highlighted the impact of community-driven initiatives, the challenges they face in remote areas, and the collective efforts needed to raise awareness, ensure early diagnosis, and support treatment adherence in the fight against tuberculosis.

The event provided a comprehensive platform for collaboration, empowering media to play a crucial role in promoting health awareness and supporting the state’s mission to eliminate TB.