JOSH Teams Launched to Strengthen Youth Participation in TB Elimination
The Hyderabad district team participated virtually from the Indian Institute of Health and Family Welfare along with the state team.
Hyderabad:The health department on Thursday launched JOSH (Joint Squad for Health) teams to strengthen youth participation in the tuberculosis (TB) elimination programme and increase community involvement in screening, early diagnosis and treatment support. The initiative was being implemented as part of the Centre’s TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. JOSH teams are to be formed at the block or ward level; each team comprising five MY Bharat volunteers and five NCC cadets under the leadership of a Class-I nodal officer.
The teams will focus on creating awareness about TB, mobilising communities, supporting screening and early detection of suspected cases and encouraging patients to complete their treatment. The Hyderabad district team participated virtually from the Indian Institute of Health and Family Welfare along with the state team.
Health commissioner Dr Sangeetha Satyanarayana called upon volunteers to create awareness about TB and counsel patients to ensure that they complete the prescribed treatment. State TB Officer Dr A Rajesham asked participants to work with the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) in screening and early identification of TB cases.
Dr Rajeswari, director, State TB and Demonstration Centre (STDC), stressed the need for community and psychosocial support for people undergoing TB treatment. Hyderabad district medical and health officer Dr Putla Srinivas called for increased screening among vulnerable populations and better coordination between different departments. Hyderabad district TB control officer Dr G Yadagiri said inter-departmental coordination and community participation were important for TB elimination.