Date:08/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/08/stories/2008100853310400.htm

New Delhi

L-G calls for war on tuberculosis

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: With nearly five lakh people, constituting about 3 per cent of the Capital’s total population, suffering from tuberculosis in Delhi, Lieutenant-Governor Tejendra Khanna on Tuesday urged the citizens to contribute towards prevention and control of the disease by donating generously to the Delhi Tuberculosis Association.

Speaking at the launch of the 59th State level TB Seal Sale Campaign at Raj Niwas here, Mr. Khanna said tuberculosis continues to be a major public health challenge. Ignorance about the fact that the disease is curable has been a major reason for its high incidence.

The L-G said mass awareness about curability of tuberculosis on its early diagnosis had brought the society closer to its eradication. Yet, he said, there was a need to combat this disease aggressively and it was essential that people made a contribution in the fight. The meeting was informed that sale proceeds of the campaigns are used for creating general awareness about tuberculosis. Also, the money is used for providing welfare measures including financial grant and activities pertaining to prevention, control in disadvantaged communities.