Survivors Against TB (SATB), a community-driven collective comprising TB survivors, experts, and advocates, has penned a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging swift action to combat tuberculosis (TB) in India. The appeal comes amidst mounting challenges and persistent hurdles in TB care, despite India's pledge to eliminate the disease by 2025.

Highlighting the ongoing burden of TB in India, with millions affected and nearly 400,000 lives lost annually, SATB underscores the urgent need for intensified efforts and decisive action ahead of World TB Day on March 24th. The letter outlines key recommendations aimed at addressing critical gaps in TB control strategies.

Key recommendations put forth by SATB include the expansion of access to free, accurate, and affordable TB diagnosis, particularly in remote and marginalized communities. Emphasizing the importance of timely diagnosis, SATB calls for increased investment in diagnostic facilities and mobile testing units to ensure prompt detection for all individuals, especially in underserved areas.

Furthermore, SATB advocates for enhanced access to free and accurate treatment, along with high-quality drugs and shorter treatment regimens. The collective urges the implementation of a national fast-track strategy to facilitate easier access to shorter treatments with reduced side effects, coupled with measures to prevent stock-outs in both public and private sectors.

Recognizing the importance of proper nutrition and mental health support in TB recovery, SATB recommends increasing support under the Nikshay Poshan Yojana and integrating mental health services into TB care. Additionally, the collective emphasizes the need for stigma-free and gender-responsive care, urging the implementation of a Gender-Responsive Framework to ensure inclusive and dignified care for all individuals.

Chapal Mehra, Convenor of SATB, emphasizes the pivotal role of TB survivors in shaping policies and interventions, calling for their voices and needs to be prioritized in the fight against TB. SATB's letter serves as a poignant reminder of the pressing need for concerted action and collaborative efforts to end TB in India, underscoring the importance of addressing systemic challenges and ensuring comprehensive care for all affected individuals.