Global Coalition Against TB
The objective of the coalition is to bring together parliamentarians, policy makers and civil society representatives to discuss the challenges of TB prevention and control in India with a mission to raise awareness on the need for improved TB control and formulate key recommendations.
Facts
Almost 2.2 million Tuberculosis (TB) cases are reported in India each year, accounting for one fifth of the global incidence. On March 24 each year, the global community observes world TB Day. This presents an opportunity for us to talk about one of the most significant public health challenges in our country.
Expert Group on Tuberculosis Prevention
and Control
An expert group was established under the leadership of GCAT. This was done to bring together a set of experts to discuss and share recommendations with the Central TB Division on the implementation of the National Strategic Plan (2012-17) which aims to provide to universal access to quality TB diagnosis and treatment for all TB patients, including those in the private sector.
Highlights
Call to Action for TB
Free India
The Honourable Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, India, Shri J. P. Nadda launched a nationwide campaign, TB Free India, to unite stakeholders to defeat TB in India.
The TB Free India campaign is part of the Global Challenge TB project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Launch of the TB Harega
Desh Jeetega Campaignt
The cause of TB prevention and control received unprecedented support, bringing together Mr. J.P.Nadda, the honourable Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Mr. Dalbir Singh, President, GCAT, Mr. Anurag Thakur, Member of Parliament, Bharatiya Janata Party and GCAT Advisory Board Member, Dr. Nata Menabde, World Health Organization (WHO) representative to India. Mr. Amitabh Bachchan, who was unable to attend the event, sent a letter expressing his solidarity with all the individuals and organizations working towards the prevention and control of TB.
Universal Access to
TB Care
The Government of Bihar launched an ambitious and innovative pilot project to tackle TB on November 21, 2014 in Patna. Flagged off by the state’s former Health Minister, Mr. Ramdhani Singh, the “Universal Access to TB Care” pilot is an initiative that focuses on proactive private sector engagement. It seeks to transform urban TB control in India by educating private practitioners, testing centres and pharmacies on best practices essential for effective TB control.
Campaign
TB Harega Desh Jeetega
The Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) unveiled the “TB Harega, Desh Jeetega” campaign featuring Bollywood actor Mr. Amitabh Bachchan as its brand ambassador. The objective of the campaign is to raise awareness to address Mumbai’s tuberculosis epidemic. Mr. Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra; Mr. Dalbir Singh, President, Global Coalition Against TB (GCAT); Mr. Anurag Thakur, Member of Parliament (MP), Bharatiya Janata Party and GCAT member; Mr. Uddhav Thackeray, Shiv Sena chief were present at this landmark moment in Mumbai’s public health landscape.