National T.B. Control Program Rotarys Unique Initiative Against T.B. Presented by PP Rtn. Deepak Ramnane Rotary Club of Koramangala

What is T.B.? Infectious disease transmitted by a Bacterium Small swellings appear in the body tissues, especially in the lungs It is a highly contagious disease 40% of the world population is infected by T.B. which is latent. It is important to know the signs of T.B. and treat it in time. Every minuite 4 persons get TB, 3 patients put on treatment, 1 person dies of TB TB is a lawless disease. It can affect child, adolescent, adult, elderly, poor/rich, literate/illiterate. T.B. is completely curable yet lakhs die needlessly from this disease every year.

Symptoms or Signs of T.B. Persistent cough for 3 weeks or more specifically just after waking up Weight loss, fever, night sweats and increasing weakness. Chest or upper back pain and shortness of breath Loss of appetite Coughing up of blood

What is DOTS? DOTS is the only strategy which has proven effective in controlling TB on a mass basis. The DOTS strategy is in practice in 182 countries. India has adapted and tested DOTS since 1993, with excellent results. What is RNTCP? In 1993, a Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) was begun, applying the principles of DOTS to the Indian context. DOTS is a systematic strategy which has five components 1.Political and administrative commitment 2.Good quality diagnosis 3.Good quality drugs 4.The right treatment, given in the right way 5.Systematic monitoring and accountability The RNTCP aims at providing DOTS facilities to all sections of people through the Public-Private Mix DOTS (PPM-DOTS) strategy Methodology of controlling T.B.

Cure Conduct a sputum test and x-ray to see if the patient is infected. Medicines are available with government primary health centers. Continued treatment for a long time is required (6-8 months) Medicines should not be stopped if one feels better Incomplete and irregular treatment may cause MDR-TB (Multi drug Resistance). Treatment of such TB is lengthy, very costly and cure rate is less than 40-50%. Once the doctor declares the patient is cured, there is no danger of spreading infection.

Rotarys Initiative Rotarys national committee wants all clubs to form a committee to take up T.B. control program. Each club should take up atleast 5 T.B. patients and monitor their cure. Alternatively, every Rotarian should take up the treatment of one T.B. patient

Suggestions for clubs Clubs should immediately form a T.B. control committee under community service. Identify slum areas that can be visited where T.B. detection camps can be organised. Co-ordinate this activity with the primary health center closest to the camp. Involve the local civil hospital and CMO (chief medical officer). Follow-up on patients who test positive. More emphasis should be given on Information, Education and Communication.

The following clubs have taken up TB control programs during the year List of clubs in Bangalore Rotary Bangalore Indranagar Rotary Bangalore Koramangala Rotary club of Bangalore Rotary Rajmahal Vilas Bangalore Rotary Hanumanthanagar Rotary Bangalore Whitefield Central Rotary Bangalore South Parade List of Rural clubs Rotary Kolar Rotary Kanakapura Rotary Vijaypura Rotary Kyalanur Rotary Pavagada Rotary Ramanagaram (This club organised a msiive procession/rally) Rotary Tumkur Rotary Tumkur East Rotary Tumkur Central Rotary Malavalli

May our joint efforts to control TB be successful just as Rotary has been recognised for controlling Polio. Thank You!