Jaipur, September 23, 2023: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a pressing public health concern in India, where the country shoulders a significant portion of the global TB burden. In a dedicated effort to combat the disease and improve treatment outcomes, the ‘ManageTb India’ app was unveiled and demonstrated by Dr. Rupak Singla, HoD, National Institute of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases during the Bronchopulmonary World Congress and World Conference on Comprehensive Critical Care organized in Jaipur.
During the unveiling, Dr. Singla said, “India is on the right course to eliminate TB; however, to achieve the goal, each stakeholder must work in tandem. This app is being designed to be strictly used by allopathic doctors and will help them in decision-making while designing a treatment regimen for TB patients. In the current state, ManageTB India follows PMDT 2021 guidelines, and we intend to keep it updated as and when guidelines change, or newer treatment regimens are introduced.”
India currently bears the highest burden of TB cases worldwide, with approximately 2.64 million cases reported in 2022 alone. Despite notable advancements in TB treatment and control, challenges such as low awareness, persistent stigma, and treatment non-adherence continue to hinder progress. Recognizing the urgent need to address these issues, HEAL Foundation has taken a proactive step forward with the launch of the ‘India Fights TB’ initiative – a knowledge center that facilitates the connection between patients and the appropriate information by involving doctors and individuals who have overcome TB.
R. Shankar, President, HEAL Foundation, expressed his unwavering commitment to tackling the TB crisis in India. He stated, “TB remains a significant public health challenge in our country. Through the India Fights TB initiative, we aim to create widespread awareness about the disease, its symptoms, and the critical importance of early diagnosis and treatment adherence. By educating the public and fostering a supportive environment, we can work towards reducing the stigma associated with TB and empower patients to complete their treatment.”
India Fights TB encompasses a comprehensive range of strategies to address the multifaceted challenges of TB control. The initiative’s official website, www.indiafightstb.com, will serve as a centralized platform offering a wealth of information about TB, its prevention, and treatment. Visitors can access educational materials, informative videos, and frequently asked questions to enhance their understanding of TB and its management.
Ajay Bhatia, Head of Commercial Operations India, Viatris, said, “Partnerships and collaborations are critical, as are policies and strong healthcare systems that allow for healthy competitive environments. At Viatris, we work with organizations across the globe in the public and private domain to support sustainable access to high-quality medicines. We are proud to support the India Fights TB initiative launched by HEAL Foundation. Tuberculosis remains a formidable health concern in India, which requires a collective effort from all stakeholders to combat the disease effectively. Through the initiative, we aim to spread awareness about TB, help enhance treatment adherence, and enable better treatment outcomes for patients in India. Our commitment to addressing the TB crisis in India is resolute, and we believe that by working together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by the disease.”
