Port Blair, Jan 10: Tuberculosis continues to be a major public health problem and therefore implementation of National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) has witnessed immense political and administrative commitment to eliminate tuberculosis by 2025, five years ahead of the global target. To achieve this, the Central TB Division, Min. of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India (GoI) is adapting a newer innovative strategy as “TB free status” districts or states claiming reduction in TB (80% reduction in TB incidence from 2015). Since, it may take a longer duration for achieving TB free status, interim recognition is also considered as awards and certification of progress towards TB Free Status under bronze (20%), silver (40%) and gold (60%) categories. This aims to motivate, inspire and instill competitiveness in the mindset of the various stakeholders who are working for TB elimination in the districts or states.
The District Administration through its District Health Society, South Andaman NTEP (SA) has claimed the Bronze award as per the programme indicators of the district. Accordingly, the Sub National Certification survey has started in 10 selected villages namely Shore Point (RV), Kadakachang (RV), Hashmatabad (RV), Mithakhari (RV), PB (MCI) Ward No.10, Dollygunj (RV), Calicut (RV), PB (MCI) Ward No.8, PB (MCI) Ward No.15 and Hutbay (RV).
The Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman has appealed to the general public of the above said villages to cooperate with the field staff and those having fever, cough, night sweats and loss of appetite to visit nearest Health Centre or inform the volunteers reaching out for survey for investigation on the symptoms to keep the Islands healthy.