Navi Mumbai: NMMC Launches Awareness Drive on World TB Day, Maharashtra Reports 10% of India's Cases

Navi Mumbai: The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) launched various awareness initiatives on World Tuberculosis (TB) Day to educate the public about the disease. India accounts for 25% of the world’s total TB cases, with Maharashtra contributing 10%, making it a significant public health concern.

Recognizing the urgency of the issue, NMMC conducted multiple awareness programs on March 24, observed globally as World TB Day, emphasizing the need for collective action. Each year, the World Health Organization (WHO) announces a theme for the occasion. For 2025, the theme is "Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver," highlighting the importance of commitment, financial investment, and effective service delivery in the fight against TB.

Tuberculosis, caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, spreads through respiratory transmission. As part of the global sustainable development goals, TB eradication is targeted by 2030. However, India has set an ambitious goal to eliminate the disease by 2025, as announced by the Honorable Prime Minister. Various initiatives under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP) are being implemented to achieve this objective.

To eradicate TB, the state has identified three key focus areas: commitment from all stakeholders to work toward TB elimination, implementation of innovative initiatives along with adequate funding for research and service accessibility, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality healthcare services to TB patients.

On the occasion of World Tuberculosis Day, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation organized a series of awareness programs across its jurisdiction. A TB awareness rally was held with the participation of students from NMMC School No. 1 in Belapur Village. The rally concluded at Mata Bal Hospital, Belapur, where a collective pledge for a TB-free India was taken in the presence of Dr. Prashant Jawade, Medical Health Officer, along with healthcare staff and NTEP officials. Additionally, awareness sessions were conducted in schools to educate students about TB. Rangoli competitions were organized at municipal hospitals, while street plays were performed in slum areas and high-risk zones to spread awareness. Several public meetings, patient gatherings, and training sessions were held to further educate the community.

The awareness efforts extended to D.Y. Patil Medical College and Terna Medical College, where poster competitions, conferences, and health education sessions for TB patients were conducted. To ensure effective TB eradication, the government and private healthcare sectors must work together. Private hospitals, clinics, and laboratories are required to report TB cases to NMMC for coordinated treatment efforts, and steps are being taken to enforce this collaboration.

Municipal Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde has urged private organizations and citizens to actively support the mission to make Navi Mumbai TB-free. With collective efforts from public institutions, private entities, and the community, complete eradication of tuberculosis from the city is possible.