Sri Vijaya Puram, April 27: A large-scale tuberculosis elimination drive under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan is underway in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with the administration reporting extensive screening, outreach activities, and community engagement since the launch of the 100-day intensified campaign on March 24, 2026.
The campaign, aligned with national health guidelines, was formally launched on World TB Day by the Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Health) at the state level, while district-level rollouts were carried out by respective Deputy Commissioners. The initiative focuses on early detection, prevention, and comprehensive management of tuberculosis across vulnerable and high-risk populations.
Health authorities have prioritised the identification of missing TB cases through proactive screening methods, including chest X-rays and upfront NAAT testing. The strategy also targets reduction in TB-related mortality through structured patient care, nutritional support, management of comorbidities, regular monitoring, and TB death audits.
Prevention efforts under the campaign include TB Preventive Treatment for eligible high-risk groups such as household contacts and people living with HIV. The programme also integrates early detection and management of comorbid conditions like diabetes, hypertension, anaemia, undernutrition, and cancer to improve treatment outcomes.
A key feature of the initiative is community participation through Janbhagidari, implemented under a “whole-of-society” and “whole-of-government” approach. The objective is to strengthen awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage timely healthcare access among the population.
Between March 24 and April 24, 2026, the campaign recorded significant outreach across urban and rural regions. A total of 501 Ayushman Arogya Shivirs were conducted, including 122 in urban areas, 363 in rural regions, and the rest in congregate and other settings. These health camps recorded a combined footfall of 14,589 individuals, comprising 6,700 males and 7,889 females.
During these camps, 4,080 individuals were enrolled under Ni-kshay (new and new episodes), with an equal number of chest X-rays conducted. In addition, 1,119 NAAT tests were carried out, leading to the notification of 40 TB cases.
Community mobilisation efforts included 81 Janbhagidari activities involving elected representatives, educational institutions, government departments, and organisations. A total of 116 elected representatives participated, including 19 from urban local bodies and 97 from panchayati raj institutions. Schools and colleges accounted for 59 awareness activities, while government and corporate sectors also contributed to outreach efforts.
The administration has urged citizens to actively participate in TB elimination efforts by promoting awareness that tuberculosis is preventable and curable, and by working to eliminate stigma associated with the disease. Individuals in high-risk categories, including senior citizens, undernourished persons, diabetics, tobacco or alcohol users, and close contacts of TB patients, have been encouraged to undergo screening at public health facilities.
The public has also been encouraged to support patients through the Nikshay Mitra initiative, which provides nutritional and psychosocial assistance.
Officials reiterated that sustained community involvement and strengthened healthcare systems remain central to achieving a TB-free Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
