Sri Vijaya Puram, June 13: The Andaman and Nicobar Administration has reported significant progress under the ongoing TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan – 100 Days Intensified Campaign, with nearly 30,000 people screened and 96 tuberculosis cases identified since the initiative began on March 24 this year.
The campaign, launched in alignment with national guidelines, is aimed at accelerating efforts to eliminate tuberculosis through proactive screening, early diagnosis, preventive treatment and community participation. Health authorities say the programme combines medical interventions with awareness campaigns to improve detection rates and reduce TB-related mortality.
According to data released by the administration, a total of 699 Ayushman Arogya Shivirs have been conducted across the Islands between March 24 and June 12. These health camps were organised in urban and rural areas, congregate settings and other locations to ensure wider outreach among vulnerable populations.
The campaign recorded a total footfall of 29,954 people, including 13,641 males and 16,313 females. Officials described the response as encouraging and indicative of growing public awareness regarding the importance of early health screening.
A major component of the campaign has been the use of advanced diagnostic tools to identify cases at an early stage. During the reporting period, health teams conducted 8,815 chest X-rays and 2,134 Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAAT), which are considered among the most reliable methods for detecting tuberculosis.
The screening efforts resulted in the notification of 96 TB cases, allowing patients to be enrolled in treatment and care programmes. Health officials noted that early diagnosis remains one of the most effective tools in reducing disease transmission and improving treatment outcomes.
The campaign’s objectives extend beyond case detection. Authorities are also focusing on reducing TB-related deaths through personalised patient care, nutritional support, management of co-existing illnesses and regular follow-up of patients undergoing treatment.
Another important aspect of the initiative involves preventing future infections among high-risk groups. Eligible individuals, including household contacts of TB patients and people living with HIV, are being screened and provided Tuberculosis Preventive Treatment (TPT) wherever required.
The administration has also adopted a comprehensive approach by integrating tuberculosis screening with broader healthcare services. Alongside TB testing, individuals attending health camps are screened for non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and anaemia.
Officials said this integrated strategy helps identify underlying health conditions that may increase vulnerability to tuberculosis or affect treatment outcomes. Services offered during camps include blood pressure checks, blood sugar testing, body mass index assessments and anaemia screening.
Community participation has emerged as another key pillar of the campaign. Since its launch, authorities have conducted 154 Janbhagidari activities involving elected representatives, educational institutions, government departments and community groups.
A total of 182 elected representatives from urban local bodies and panchayati raj institutions participated in awareness initiatives. Health officials said local leadership has played an important role in spreading awareness, encouraging screening and reducing stigma associated with the disease.
Educational institutions have also become active partners in the campaign. Data released by the administration shows that 126 awareness programmes were conducted in schools and colleges, helping educate students and families about symptoms, prevention and treatment.
The administration has reiterated that tuberculosis is both preventable and curable and has urged residents to come forward for screening, particularly those belonging to high-risk categories. Individuals aged above 60 years, those who are undernourished, diabetic patients, smokers, alcohol users, former TB patients and close contacts of infected individuals have been advised to undergo testing at the nearest public health facility.
Officials have also encouraged members of the public to become Nikshay Mitras and support TB patients through nutritional and psychosocial assistance.
Reaffirming its commitment to achieving a TB-free future, the administration said the campaign demonstrates the importance of combining healthcare delivery, community engagement and public awareness. With thousands already screened and dozens of cases detected and linked to treatment, authorities believe the intensified effort is helping strengthen the Islands’ fight against one of the country’s most persistent public health challenges.
