Dr. Saritha, Director, Health Services,
Dr Sunil Kumar, Hon. Secretary, TB Association of Kerala
Dr. Sindhu, Hon. Joint Secretary,
Other Distinguished guests, Friends in media,

We have just inaugurated the 68th TB Seals Sale Campaign in Kerala. We have been waging an uncompromising fight against Tuberculosis for decades, but still it remains as a major health issue in India

World Health Organization’s estimates show that India has the highest TB burden. Among 10.4 million cases occurring every year, India’s estimated share is 2.79 million (27%).  In 2016, India notified 1.9 million TB cases.  It means, approximately one million cases are not notified within the country.

Kerala reports the least number of cases. Here, the   number of cases reported in the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program has reduced to 20,000 from   27,000 of 2009.   The decline was more profound in children.

However, considering the risk factors like diabetes, cancers, kidney and liver diseases etc., the State Government has started Kerala TB Elimination Mission to eliminate TB as a public health problem by 2020. The mission is jointly implemented by the Department of Health and Family Welfare and Local Self Governments.  TB Elimination Task Forces will be formed in each Panchayat, Municipality and Corporation.  Declared slogan for the mission is “My TB Free Panchayat / Municipality / Corporation”.

Vision of the Government is to give uniformly high standard of TB care to all citizens free of cost.

It is through the sale of TB Seals that the Tuberculosis Association of Kerala mobilizes the financial resources to support these activities.  The State Association gives 50% share to all District TB Associations for their activities.  The target of collection through Sale of TB Seals for each district is fixed as Rs.1.5 lakh.  This target can be achieved only if we, the people of Kerala, come forward to buy these Seals.
I do hope that all Keralites will co operate in this venture by buying the TB seals thereby making Kerala a TB free State.
I wish the 68th campaign all success

Thank you
Jai Hind
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