65% TB cases in 15-45 age group
According to Union Health Minister, Mansukh Mandaviya, a staggering 65 percent of the tuberculosis cases are in 15-45 age group in India. This age group is considered as most economically productive population segment.
Highlights
- TB cases among productive population is coupled with the fact that, 58 per cent of the cases are in rural areas. As a result, entire families are excluded from upward mobility because of TB.
- These facts were highlighted at an event to sensitise parliamentarians on India’s efforts to eliminate TB.
- Speaking on the occasion, Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu said, “coordination at central, state, district and local levels will help in making this effort a people’s movement which in turn would expedite India’s efforts in eliminating TB by 2025”.
Fight against TB amidst Covid-19
Covid-19 pandemic has reversed the years of progress made towards fighting against tuberculosis in just two years. Pandemic made its fall in March 2020 and resulted into lockdowns and restrictions on movement which in turn disrupted the available health system resources, infrastructure, diagnostics, treatment centres and manpower engaged in TB elimination efforts and services across the country.
India TB Report 2021
This report was published in March 2021. As per report, India reported a 24% year-on-year decrease in registration of tuberculosis cases in 2020. Between January and February 2020, registrations of TB surged by 6% on year. National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme later closed gap on missing TB cases. As a result, by December 11% more cases were reported against cases in April.
Tuberculosis Cases in India
Tuberculosis is most critical health challenges of India. It has devastating health, social and financial consequences on patients and communities on a large scale. India amounts to largest caseload (2.64 million tuberculosis patients), globally. India aims to eliminate TB cases by 2025, five years ahead of global target of 2030.
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Month: Current Affairs - August, 2021