Media Urged To Strengthen Role In TB Elimination
Media representatives in Hyderabad were urged to report responsibly on TB, promote early testing and treatment, and avoid stigma around the disease.
State TB Cell IEC Officer Jitendra and WHO consultant Dr Ghana conducted sessions on TB and drug-resistant TB (DR-TB). They explained the symptoms and transmission of TB, the importance of timely testing and the need to seek treatment at the earliest.
The interaction, ‘TB Samvaad – A Dialogue on TB with Media;, was organised by TB Alert India as part of the CAP-DRTB project here. Around 30 media representatives participated in the programme. Speakers urged journalists to report on TB in an accurate, responsible and sensitive manner, avoid words that could stigmatise people affected by the disease and protect their privacy.
They also stressed the need to create awareness about free TB testing and treatment services available at government health centres.
The sessions also covered drug-resistant forms of TB, including multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB). Participants were briefed on the importance of early diagnosis, taking medicines regularly as advised by doctors and completing the prescribed course of treatment.
Five TB Champions who participated in the programme shared their experiences of undergoing treatment. They spoke about the challenges they faced, the support received from their families and communities, and their experiences of completing treatment and recovering from TB.
The participants also discussed reporting TB and DR-TB from a human perspective and identifying issues that could be developed into news stories. Speakers said recovery stories could also help communicate that TB can be treated when patients complete the prescribed treatment.