It’s only natural to feel optimistic at the start of a new year. And when there’s a solid reason to be cheerful, it only amplifies that enthusiasm. If you’re thinking that the good news is about the weight-loss drugs (Ozempic and its counterparts) entering the Indian market—something that has certainly excited many—that’s not what I’m talking about today.
My optimism stems from a different, more impactful reason: the growing recognition of the power of good nutrition, quite like it had happened during the COVID-19 pandemic. This recognition is now being implemented on a national level, particularly in India’s new tuberculosis (TB) care and management model, which incorporates several novel approaches to prevention and treatment.
India has been classified by the WHO as a high-burden country for TB. While this was once just a statistic to me, it became very real when the disease struck within my own home and affected some dear friends. Managing an open case (infectious stage) of TB in the household and preventing its spread to others was no easy task. Once again, I turned to the power of a healthy diet as a preventative measure. Thankfully, the patient recovered, and the other residents avoided infection.
Recently, some heartening news emerged from the 2024 WHO Global TB Report, which highlighted the success of India’s novel approaches. The report noted a 17.7% decline in TB incidence in India from 2015 to 2023, which is double the global rate of decline.
More than Medicine: Nutrition as a Game-Changer
One of the most encouraging aspects of the TB elimination program is its expansion beyond medical interventions. The Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana, as the name suggests, provides nutritional support to TB patients. What makes this initiative unique is its community-driven approach. Individuals, organisations, corporates, and NGOs can participate by registering as Ni-kshay Mitras. A Ni-kshay Mitra is more than a donor; it literally translates to a “friend who helps destroy the problem.” This program is now the world’s largest social support initiative for TB patients.
Another groundbreaking initiative is the provision of Energy Dense Nutritional Supplementation (EDNS) for undernourished TB patients. Even as a nutrition student, it was evident to me that good nutrition creates the foundation for effective tuberculosis treatment. However, until now, programs heavily focused on medical management, often neglecting the critical role of nutrition.
Solid Evidence, Solid Policy
The new policies are backed by strong evidence. Studies have shown that improved nutrition can reduce TB incidence by 40% and mortality by 60%. The ICMR’s RATIONS trial (2019–2022) demonstrated that better nutrition among TB patients’ close contacts significantly curbs both incidence and fatalities.
The benefits of Energy Dense Nutritional Supplementation (EDNS) don’t stop there. It also improves treatment success rates, reduces unfavourable outcomes, and helps prevent relapses—a common issue in TB care.
The inclusion of nutrition support through community engagement marks a milestone in the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, which is transforming into a true mass movement. The government-citizen collaboration has been remarkable: over 1,60,000 registered Ni-kshay Mitras have distributed more than 1.9 million food baskets to TB patients.
Curbing TB, especially in a country that accounts for 26.4% of the global burden of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), is fraught with challenges. Myths and misconceptions about TB remain significant barriers to effective care. Dispelling these unfounded fears is crucial for progress.
Hope for a TB-Free Future
India is emerging as a leader in the global TB response, thanks to universal social support provisions and indigenous diagnostic tools like Truenat. The recently launched 100-Day TB Elimination Campaign (December 2024) is another bold step, accelerating progress toward the ambitious goal of eliminating TB by 2030.
As we begin the new year, it’s heartening to witness the strides India is making in addressing TB through holistic approaches that combine medicine, nutrition, and community involvement. With continued effort and collaboration, a healthier, TB-free future is within reach.
Neelanja Singh
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Ms. Neelanjana Singh, Nutrition Consultant & Author |
