District TB Control Society Observes World TB Day in Leh
Leh, 24 March 2025: The District TB Control Society, Leh, in collaboration with various departments, observed World TB Day at the Conference Hall, Abdus Hotel, Leh, under the global theme “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver.” The event featured a felicitation ceremony for TB Mukt Panchayats and discussions on strengthening TB elimination efforts in the district.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Leh, Santosh Sukhadeve, highlighted India’s significant TB burden, accounting for 27% of global cases. He emphasized the need for collective responsibility in TB elimination, with a particular focus on low-income groups, nutritional support through the Nikshay Mitra initiative, and enhanced case detection. He commended the health department, frontline workers, and administration for their unwavering efforts in tackling TB.
Earlier, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Leh delivered the welcome address, emphasizing the challenges in TB eradication, including stigma, slow detection, and latent infections. He highlighted the need for active case finding, interdepartmental collaboration, and community awareness to accelerate TB elimination, particularly under the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (PMTBMBA). He also stressed the significance of AI-based digital X-ray machines in improving active TB detection.
Physician Dr. Lotus Gailson addressed the critical impact of TB on public health, identifying it as the leading cause of mortality after COVID-19. He noted that one in four individuals worldwide is affected by TB and emphasized the importance of 100% diagnosis and treatment to achieve a 90% reduction in TB-related deaths by 2025. He further advocated for latent TB screening and early detection to curb the spread of the disease.
District Panchayat Officer (DPO) Leh, Junaid Amin Bhat, acknowledged the dedicated efforts of healthcare workers and the impact of door-to-door awareness campaigns. He reiterated that medication alone is not sufficient to eliminate TB and emphasized the importance of community participation in overcoming stigma and ensuring a TB-free society.
A total of 37 panchayats in Leh district were declared TB-free in 2024, compared to 36 in 2023. These panchayats were felicitated with statues, certificates, and traditional khataks in recognition of their contribution to the TB-free initiative.
The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by DHO Dr. Yangchen Dolma, who appreciated the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders in advancing TB elimination initiatives in the region.
The event was attended by Medical Superintendent Leh, SIO Ladakh, District TB Officer Leh, Deputy CMO, DIO Leh, Consultant Physicians, SPO NHM, State Consultant MCH, staff from the State and District TB Cell, and other concerned officials.
