With the highest burden of TB internationally, India has embarked on a mission to end TB by 2025 five years ahead of the global target.

The END TB Summit held in New Delhi was inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi on Saturday. He spoke about the stigma around TB and addressing the gaps within the health system for improved access to TB services. The events commemorating World TB Day together with the US Mission India had officials from USAID, CDC, and other agencies attending the summit and the STOP TB Board Meeting. These meetings are forerunner to the United Nations General Assembly meeting that will take place later this year.    

TB Survivors, affected community members and those affiliated to organisations and networks including Touched by TB (a national coalition of people affected by TB), the Global Coalition of TB Activists,TB Alert India, Ek Pahal (Bihar) and REACH came together in a signed statement and have  called upon the policy and key decision makers for immediate attention to the following points -        
 

• The urgent need for having TB counsellors at all healthcare settings to provide TB patients and families with the right information and support.

• Uniform and enhanced access to nutrition support for all those affected by TB. (The signatories have asked all state governments to support and supplement the government’s commitment of Rs 500 per month per person through the treatment period).
  
• Access to new technologies and treatment regimens for all those affected by TB.
   
• Timely disbursement of all promised benefits and a proactive drive for better awareness of available social support mechanisms for people affected by TB.

• Introduction of effective community monitoring mechanisms to pre-empt any issues that may delay diagnosis and treatment like drug stock-outs or the non-availability of diagnostic supplies and other consumables. 

• Increased investment in research on TB to identify better tools for TB diagnosis and treatment.

• Adoption of non-stigmatising language, behaviour and practices by all stakeholders including public and private healthcare providers. 

• A people-centred approach to TB care and prevention in India with survivors and affected communities at the forefront.