Eradicate TB in A.P. by 2025, says Governor

Andhra Pradesh Governor Biswa Bhusan Harichandan said that the Tuberculosis Association of A.P. should take steps to eradicate the spread of tuberculosis in the State by 2025, at the 70th TB Seal Sale Campaign.

The Governor, who is also the president of the TB Association of A.P., said voluntary organisations and medical professionals have an important role in achieving this target which was set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Governor said that India is home to almost one-fourth of global TB cases and that a total of 21.5 lakh TB cases were reported in the State in 2018, which is an increase of 17% of cases reported in 2017.

The Governor said that with the sustained efforts of TB Associations, Medical and Health Department and the voluntary organisations, treatment for TB has reduced to 6-8 months from the initial 12-18 months with the introduction of Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP) in 1996.

Governor Harichandan felicitated individuals and organisations who participated in mobilisation of funds for the treatment and eradication of TB, through the TB seal sale campaign.

The Best District Award was presented to Guntur district for a contribution of ₹6 lakh and the Special Best Institutional Awards was presented to Dr. Arun Kumar Kanti Mohanty, president of AMG India International, Chilakaluripet, for their contribution of ₹6 lakh through the sale of TB seals.