Tribal people (10.4 Cr, 8.6% of total population) have higher prevalence (703 per 100,000) of TB compared to national average (256 per 100,000).10.4% of all TB notified patients are from tribal communities. The National TB program has prioritized this subgroup of population through Tribal Action Plans since 2005.
Information, Education and Communication (IEC) material for the Public has been made available on the Central TB Division official website. In the home page of https://tbcindia.gov.in under the ACSM/IEC option IEC materials like launch video on World TB Day, Posters on TB Arogya Sathi, Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana, Ni-kshay Patrika, Documentaries, Radio Spots, TV Spots/TVC’s, Script for Nukkad Natak’s and Exhibition Panels are available in the public domain.
Community meetings are organised by the Senior Treatment Supervisor (STS) or the partner Non-Government Organisation (NGO) under the supervision of the Medical Officer.
Community or peer-led measures penetrate better into the intricate layers of key population and facilitate Intensive Case Finding (ICF). Peer group support helps patients deal with challenges that they face during the treatment period. Several Tuberculosis (TB) patients find their treatment period stressful and having a peer to talk to, who has undergone similar challenges, and a doctor or counsellor to answer their questions, helps build confidence and realization that they are not alone in this journey.
Studies have shown that nearly half of all patients with TB in India first seek care in the private sector, where there are significant gaps across the patient-care cascade, notably diagnostic delays, irrational and non-standardized regimens, and under-reporting to authorities. As a result, over a million cases of TB are missed in India every year.
In order to create awareness and mobilise young students to fight against TB, the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) encourages TB awareness campaigns in schools.
Common school activities undertaken to create awareness about TB among children include the following:
Components of Advocacy, Communication and Social Mobilisation (ACSM) Planning Format
Three Levels of Advocacy, Communication and Social Mobilisation (ACSM) Activities