Health and Family Welfare Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said at a World Tuberculosis Day event that Indian society and government must collaborate in their efforts to win the fight against the disease, Press Trust of India reported.

Regarding the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the minister said that for more than two years India faced this disease along with the prevalence of tuberculosis.

Both conditions are highly contagious, airborne and severely affect families and communities, he explained.

“We have developed a system of patient identification, treatment and support across the country and new advanced technologies and treatment modalities are emerging that can be used in the fight against tuberculosis,” he said.

Digital facilities such as service delivery system, artificial intelligence, e-pharmacy and telemedicine can be used for tuberculosis eradication, he added.

Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel stressed that a social approach that brings people from all backgrounds together is needed to achieve the ambitious goal of eliminating tuberculosis by 2025.

He urged efforts to ensure adequate nutrition for all, raise awareness and address any social stigma associated with the disease and stressed the urgency of ending childhood tuberculosis.

Jitendra Singh, Minister of State, Ministry of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, highlighted efforts in developing drugs and vaccines to eliminate tuberculosis from the country.

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