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The Hindu
06-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Puducherry TB screening: Door-to-door active case finding drives help slash incidence by 59% compared to 2015 levels
Punamma (68) had been unwell for two weeks with mild fever and tiredness but since she had no other major complaints neither she nor her husband (both daily wagers) paid attention till a health worker asked her to come in for tuberculosis (TB) screening at the nearby health centre as part of Puducherry's door-to-door campaign. 'I tested positive for TB and later even my husband tested positive,' she said. The two are currently under treatment and are receiving monetary and nutritional support under the TB-elimination programme. 'In a bid to curb community transmission and bring down the incidence of TB, Puducherry has been conducting door-to-door active case finding drives that especially focus on vulnerable populations who might not display TB symptoms or worse don't have the time, access or knowledge to seek medical care,' explained S. Govindarajan, mission director, Puducherry State Health Society (PSHS). He added that the idea behind the door-to-door campaign is to catch the vulnerable, at-risk patients who may be suffering without treatment and unknowingly becoming spreaders of TB. 'The idea is to ensure that no one is left behind and that nobody suffers without treatment and care. We have realised that the battle against TB needs us to ensure that patients get quicker and more accurate tests which translates into saving treatment time and saving lives,' he said. Puducherry is on a fast track toward TB elimination, as eight of its villages were declared TB-Free this World TB Day (2025) — Sivaranthagam, Ariyur (N), Vathanur, Soriyankuppam, Kudiyirupupalaym, Pooranankuppam, Sembipalayam and Korkadu. C. Venkatesh, State TB officer added that Puducherry has slashed its TB incidence by 59% compared to 2015 levels. 'All suspected cases are screened using modern diagnostic tools – AI-enabled chest X-rays and NAAT. The door-to-door active case finding drives specially focus on vulnerable populations who might not display TB symptoms,'' he said. He added that since the Union Territory is also seeing a rise in cases of diabetes and its association with TB patients are being educated and taught to monitor the condition. Diabetes is known to increases the risk of TB. Meanwhile, speaking about the implementation of the Ni-kshay Mitra programme launched in September 2022 where the State TB Cell has mobilised community members to provide nutritional baskets to TB patients Dr. Venkatesh added that through 241 Ni-kshay Mitras, or donors, Puducherry has distributed over 12,609 nutritional baskets to TB patients, ensuring treatment adherence and recovery. 'As a result, more than 85% patients receive at least three food baskets through the course of their treatment – thus enhancing their recovery. This initiative complements the DBT scheme — Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana whereby patients are paid ₹1,000 per month as nutritional support through the course of their treatment. Here also in Puducherry 85% beneficiaries receiving all their entitlements,'' he added.
Free Malaysia Today
10-05-2025
- Health
- Free Malaysia Today
TB among Penang's top 5 most reported infectious diseases
State health deputy director (public health division) Dr Rozaini Mat Shah said smokers are more susceptible to tuberculosis because of the harmful effects of smoking on the respiratory system. PETALING JAYA : Tuberculosis remains among the top five most reported infectious diseases in Penang, with heavy smokers and the elderly, particularly men, identified as high-risk groups. State health deputy director (public health division) Dr Rozaini Mat Shah said smokers are more susceptible because of their weakened immune system and the harmful effects of smoking on the respiratory system. 'Based on last year's observations, most TB cases involved senior citizens (aged 60 and above), primarily men, particularly Malay men. 'We identified several high-risk groups, and public health efforts and interventions will be more focussed on these groups,' Bernama reported her as saying after officiating the state-level World TB Day celebration and the Agenda Nasional Malaysia Sihat roadshow for Seberang Perai Tengah today. Rozaini said that according to last year's statistics, 1,273 new and recurring tuberculosis cases were reported in Penang, compared to 1,303 cases in 2023, with 125 deaths recorded, and down from 156 the previous year. Despite a 2.3% decrease, TB remains among the state's top five infectious diseases, which include dengue fever, food poisoning, and hand, foot and mouth disease, she said.
The Sun
10-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
One of the top five infectious diseases for smokers in Penang
BUKIT MERTAJAM: Tuberculosis, or TB, remains among the top five most reported infectious diseases in Penang, with heavy smokers and the elderly, particularly men, identified as high-risk groups. State Health deputy director (Public Health Division) Dr Rozaini Mat Shah said they are more susceptible to the infection due to a weakened immune system and the harmful effects of smoking on the respiratory system. 'Based on last year's observations, most TB cases involved senior citizens (aged 60 and above), primarily men, particularly Malay men. 'Through the data obtained, we identified several high-risk groups, and public health efforts and interventions will be more focused on these groups,' she told reporters after officiating the state-level World TB Day celebration and the Agenda Nasional Malaysia Sihat (ANMS) Roadshow for Seberang Perai Tengah 2025, here today. Dr Rozaini said that according to last year's statistics, 1,273 new and recurring TB cases were reported in Penang, compared to 1,303 cases in 2023, with 125 deaths recorded, down from 156 the previous year. She said despite a 2.3 per cent decrease, TB remains the state's top five infectious diseases, which include dengue fever, food poisoning, and hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD). According to her, the Penang State Health Department will consistently intensify TB-related health education programmes. Dr Rozaini urged the public to lead a healthy lifestyle as a preventive measure against diseases. She said World Tuberculosis Day, observed on March 24, aims to raise public awareness about tuberculosis and its prevention.
New Straits Times
10-05-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Smokers, elderly men most susceptible to TB, Penang data shows
BUKIT MERTAJAM: Tuberculosis, or TB, remains among the top five most reported infectious diseases in Penang, with heavy smokers and the elderly, particularly men, identified as high-risk groups. State Health deputy director (Public Health Division) Dr Rozaini Mat Shah said they are more susceptible to the infection due to a weakened immune system and the harmful effects of smoking on the respiratory system. "Based on last year's observations, most TB cases involved senior citizens (aged 60 and above), primarily men, particularly Malay men. "Through the data obtained, we identified several high-risk groups, and public health efforts and interventions will be more focused on these groups," she told reporters after officiating the state-level World TB Day celebration and the Agenda Nasional Malaysia Sihat (ANMS) Roadshow for Seberang Perai Tengah 2025, here today. Dr Rozaini said that according to last year's statistics, 1,273 new and recurring TB cases were reported in Penang, compared to 1,303 cases in 2023, with 125 deaths recorded, down from 156 the previous year. She said despite a 2.3 per cent decrease, TB remains the state's top five infectious diseases, which include dengue fever, food poisoning, and hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD). According to her, the Penang State Health Department will consistently intensify TB-related health education programmes. Dr Rozaini advised the public to lead a healthy lifestyle as a preventive measure against diseases. She said World Tuberculosis Day, observed on March 24, aims to raise public awareness about tuberculosis and its prevention. – BERNAMA
The Star
10-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
TB among top five diseases affecting Penang smokers
BUKIT MERTAJAM: Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the top five most-reported infectious diseases in Penang, with heavy smokers and the elderly, particularly men, identified as high-risk groups. State Health deputy director (Public Health Division) Dr Rozaini Mat Shah said they are more susceptible to the infection due to a weakened immune system and the harmful effects of smoking on the respiratory system. "Based on last year's observations, most TB cases involved senior citizens (aged 60 and above), primarily men, particularly Malay men. "Through the data obtained, we identified several high-risk groups, and public health efforts and interventions will be more focused on these groups,' she said. Dr Rozaini said this when speaking to reporters after officiating the state-level World TB Day celebration and the Agenda Nasional Malaysia Sihat (ANMS) Roadshow for Seberang Perai Tengah 2025, here today. She said that according to last year's statistics, 1,273 new and recurring TB cases were reported in Penang, compared to 1,303 cases in 2023, with 125 deaths recorded, down from 156 the previous year. She said despite a 2.3% decrease, TB remains the state's top five infectious diseases, which include dengue fever, food poisoning, and hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD). According to her, the Penang State Health Department will consistently intensify TB-related health education programmes. Dr Rozaini urged the public to lead a healthy lifestyle as a preventive measure against diseases. She said World Tuberculosis Day, observed on March 24, aims to raise public awareness about tuberculosis and its prevention. - Bernama
