I am extremely glad to know that World TB Day is being observed in a befitting manner on 24th March, 2023 in the Islands along with the rest of the country with the theme "Yes! We Can End TB".

Each year World TB Day is commemorated on March 24th to raise public awareness about the devastating health, social and economic consequences of TB and to step up efforts to end the Global TB.

India has the world's highest TB burden, with an estimated 26 lakh people contracting the disease and approximately 4 lakh people dying from the disease every year. Although, the National TB Elimination Programme implemented by GOI is yielding significant results in the fight against TB, the community and the institutions in the society can play a critical role in filling gaps and addressing social determinants, thereby contributing to the national goal of TB elimination.

For effective engagement of the community, the Gol has launched community support to TB patients under Pradhan Mantri TB Mukth Abhiyan, wherein individuals, NGOs, Public Representatives and Institutions can register as Nikshay Mitras and provide support to TB patients.

I call upon institutions and individuals from all sections of the society to come forward in support of TB patients and join hands to eliminate TB from the Islands.

Admiral D K Joshi

PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.)

Lt. Governor, Andaman & Nicobar Islands

& Vice-Chairman, Islands Development Agency