Indian Red Cross Society NHQ in collaboration with the Tuberculosis Association of India (T.A.I) observed World T.B Day on 24th March 2011 under the chairmanship of the President T.A.I and IRCS Secretary General (Prof) Dr S.P Agarwal . Dr Ashok Kumar, D.D.G.T.B, Govt of India, Dr V.K Arora , Vice Chancellor Santosh University and also the Vice Chairman of T.A.I shared the dais with Dr Agarwal. Members of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), PNS’s and the IRCS officials also participated in the meeting. This year’s theme for World T.B day was ‘On the move against Tuberculosis.’

The Secretary General Dr S.P Agarwal informed that due to the sustained attempts of IRCS volunteers CAT II patients who deviated from treatment due to socio-economic hindrances have reverted back to the treatment. He congratulated the volunteers for their commendable efforts who retracted 90% defaulters back to treatment. “It is now our duty to sustain the efforts and try to extend this to TB and HIV co infection”, expressed the Secretary General.

Dr S.P Agarwal looked forward to entering into strategic and symbiotic collaborations with Government Departments and International Partners to combat TB. He expressed his concern about the discrimination and stigma which is being practiced in the society against the T.B patients. The occasion also witnessed the release of the Advocacy Report named ‘Towards a tuberculosis free world by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. John Roche, Head of India office, IFRC expressed his satisfaction on the steady implementation of the IRCS T.B project.

In the discussions it was mentioned that Tuberculosis is a preventable and curable disease yet it infects nearly 9.4 million people and kills 2 million people each year.

Dr Ashok Kumar D.D.G.T.B, Government of India mentioned, “I have firm conviction in the strength of unified approach to stretch the programmes to newer heights.” He believed that pioneering institutions involved with the T.B programme have been doing praise worthy work and should receive encouragement to cross impediments.

According to Dr Kumar development of new and innovative communication mechanisms for disseminating awareness and educating the public at large would be an apposite step undertaken.