NEWS – Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, Principal Advisor to the National TB Elimination Programme, suggests TB death audits—similar to maternal death audits—can help reduce TB mortality and aid in India’s TB elimination goals.

HIGHLIGHTS

Need for TB Death Audits:

• India reports 800–900 TB deaths daily, yet media and policy attention remain low.
• Proposed district-level TB death audits, involving non-programme partners, can identify service delivery gaps.
• Inspired by successful maternal death audit models, especially Tamil Nadu’s maternal care improvements.

Current TB Scenario:

• TB mortality has reduced from 35/100,000 in 2015 to 22/100,000 (2023).
• Drug-resistant TB and late diagnosis remain key challenges.
• Highest deaths among economically active age group (25–55 years).

 Tamil Nadu’s TB Model (TN-KET):

• Reduced deaths in drug-susceptible TB through risk triaging and inpatient care.
• Now routinely captures BMI data; addressed undernutrition, respiratory failure.

Policy Suggestions:

• Clinical evaluation of all TB patients for co-morbidities like diabetes, anaemia.
• Use of AI-backed handheld X-rays to detect sub-clinical TB.
• Scale-up upfront molecular testing and household screening.

Nutrition & Social Support:

• RATIONS trial shows nutrition can prevent 50% of secondary infections.
• ₹1000/month DBT for nutrition support to TB patients welcomed, but delivery gaps exist.
• Nikshay Mitra scheme’s success depends on community participation.