Show TB the same attention as COVID-19: Dr. J. Radhakrishnan, Health Secretary, Tamilnadu

World TB Day observed in Chennai 

 ‘We must show the same attention to tuberculosis (TB) that we have to COVID-19 and to other diseases. We must invest in not only diagnosing and treating TB, but also preventing it, and educating people about the disease” said Dr. J. Radhakrishnan IAS, Principal Secretary, Dept. of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of Tamilnadu. He was speaking at a World TB Day observation meeting held in Chennai, organised by REACH, a non-profit organisation working on tuberculosis for over two decades. “We must adopt a test-trace-treat approach for TB as well”, said Dr. Radhakrishnan.

In keeping with the World TB Day theme of ‘Invest to End TB, Save Lives’, a public education campaign spearheaded by REACH was launched at the meeting, which brought together representatives from the private sector and from TB-affected communities, including TB survivors, Champions and women leaders from across the state.

“Over the years, we have seen so many changes in TB. But despite this, even today, I have to explain to people I meet that TB is airborne and can affect anyone. We must invest in enhancing public-private partnerships for TB – organisations like REACH have shown us how this can be done”, said Dr. V Ramasubramanian, Infectious Diseases Specialist.

Speaking on the occasion, Sugashini, TB survivor and Champion from Coimbatore in Tamilnadu said, “When I had TB, I took my medicines and got cured, but I did not have anyone to give me emotional support and talk to me. Today, as a TB Champion, I am proud that I am able to provide this important support. All of us in the Tamilnadu TB Champions Network are committed to doing this work”.

“Over the years, REACH has invested in working with private providers and with TB-affected communities. We are very grateful to all our Women TB Leaders, TB Champions and TB Nanbans for their sincere commitment to supporting people with TB through their TB journeys”, said Dr Ramya Ananthakrishnan, Director, REACH.

Senior officials including Dr. Padmapriyadarsini, Director, National Institute of Research in Tuberculosis and Dr. Asha Frederick, Additional Director of Medical and Rural Health Services & State TB Officer, Tamilnadu participated in the meeting. 

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