It is "worrisome" that India continues to have the world's highest tuberculosis burden, President Pranab Mukherjee today said and called upon people to work together to get rid of the deadly disease.
In his message on the eve of World Tuberculosis Day, Mukherjee said India will continue to lead the fight against TB.
"It is worrisome that India continues to have the highest burden of tuberculosis in the world. One of the greatest challenges facing its control is the detection and management of drug resistant strains of TB," he said in a press release issued by Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Such challenges highlight the need for strengthening research and development to introduce new diagnostics, drugs and vaccines, Mukherjee said.
"Let us all work together to achieve a TB-free India," he said, adding that the country has, and will continue to lead the fight against TB.
The President also commended the work undertaken under the National TB Programme.
"Since 1998, due to the successful implementation of the DOTS strategy; more than 14.2 million people across India have received treatment," he said.
Last year, the government introduced ground-breaking policies, including a ban on the use of inaccurate blood tests for TB and declared TB a notifiable disease, he said.
"India's vision is to provide 'Universal Access to Quality Diagnosis and Treatment' over the next five years to all, regardless of their economic or social status," the President said.
