Reaching to the difficult terrains and vulnerable pockets to identify and link Presumptive TB cases to the designated facilities has been challenging. Team Axshya has been regularly conducting health camps in Rewa, MP in collaboration with NTEP. The District TB Officer, Dr. B L Mishra, has been keen in increasing community engagement and awareness and has always participated in the activities along with the other officials. His proactive efforts in reaching difficult areas have set an example for others.
In a pioneering effort, he organized health camps in Jawa and Hanumana block which are located at a distance of about 140 km from the headquarters at Rewa. Since these two blocks are adjacent to Allahabad UP, the patients there generally avail diagnostic services from Allahabad, which is one of the reasons for loss to follow up or incomplete treatment. NTEP and Axshya in coordination ensured all PTBPs were tested in these two blocks and the positively diagnosed TB patients are put on treatment.
In 2019, 16 Health camps were conducted in Rewa. Almost 1500 people attended the health camp wherein 331 PTBPs were identified. Out of those, 329 were tested and 31 cases were diagnosed positive for TB who were then initiated on treatment. Our District Coordinator with the help of community volunteers also facilitated DBT to these patients.