Tuberculosis cases on downward trend in Nagarkurnool

Nagarkurnool: The initiatives taken up by the State and Central governments to eradicate the menace of Tuberculosis (TB) by 2025 from India are bearing fruits in tribal areas in the district, thanks to the relentless efforts by some Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) and the Health authorities in Nagarkurnool.

To create awareness among masses in rural areas about the spread of TB, the district Health authorities in Nagarkurnool, in coordination with some of the NGOs, have been conducting regular awareness camps, particularly in the remote Chencu tribal areas deep in the forests of Achampet, Ambrabad and other regions.

“TB is the most contagious disease caused by germs that are spread from person to person through air. TB usually affects the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body, such as the brain, the kidneys or the spine. So, the district administration, in coordination with some of the NGOs, is creating awareness in rural areas.

We can say our efforts have paid us dividends as this year we have seen a decreasing trend in TB deaths when compared to the previous year,” informed Sudhakarlal, District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO) Nagarkurnool.

During the past two years, TB cases in Nagarkurnool district have come down considerably. Earlier in 2016, the district witnessed as many as 63 deaths due to TB.

However, with the initiatives taken up by the State TB Cell and due to the awareness programmes by NGOs, this year the Health Department has identified as many as 50 TB cases and are providing all the necessary diagnostic facilities and medicines for treatment of the disease free of cost.

As part of the steps taken to prevent, control and treat TB cases in Nagarkurnool district, the officials are conducting free diagnostic tests for people suspected to have contracted the disease.

The patients availing treatment are made to undergo tests to learn if their conditions have improved or not. “Earlier TB patients were given free medicines thrice a week, however, now the patients are being monitored regularly and they are being treated by providing daily medicine regimen,” observed the DMHO.

To create awareness on TB, the district administration has roped in several civil society organisations and even roped in NGOS like World Vision India and Aruba Health Project, who are all working in coordination with the Health Department and holding awareness camps in the district.

The Aruba Health Project NGO, apart from creating awareness camps, is also providing financial aid to TB patients who are economically weak. “Since 2014, we have been involved in the awareness campaign to eradicate TB. So far, we have provided financial aid to 83 TB patients and are planning to support many more in the future,” informed Vijay Kumar, Coordinator of Aruba Health Project.