World Tuberculosis Day – 24th March 2026
The Department of Community Medicine observed World Tuberculosis Day on 24th March 2026 with great enthusiasm and active participation from faculty members, postgraduate students, interns, and MBBS students under the guidance of Dr. Boramma G, Professor and Head, Department of Community Medicine. Various awareness and community-based activities were organized with the objective of promoting tuberculosis awareness and supporting the national goal of ending TB.
1. TB Mukth Grama Panchayat Campaign
As part of the “TB Mukth Grama Panchayat Campaign,” Dr. Roopakala N, NTEP Nodal Officer, Department of Community Medicine, served as an evaluation team member for verification of Gram Panchayats on 19th and 20th February 2026. The evaluation was conducted in the villages of Gabbur, Hemnal, Shavantagera, Hirebadur, Amarapur, Alkod, Nagadadinni, Pothnal, Byarwat, and Pamanakallur. Based on the assessment, these villages were declared as “TB Free Grama Panchayats.”
2. Community Awareness Campaign
An intensive tuberculosis awareness campaign was conducted from 16th March 2026 to 18th March 2026 in the villages of Singanodi, Sidrampur, Bijangere, and Maliyabad. During the campaign, interns and students educated the community regarding the causes, symptoms, prevention, treatment, and control measures of tuberculosis. The campaign aimed at enhancing public awareness and encouraging early diagnosis and treatment adherence.
3. Poster Competition
To encourage student participation and creativity, the department organized a Poster Competition based on the theme of World TB Day on 18th March 2026 for interns and III MBBS students.
The prize winners were:
- 1st Prize: Pavan & Naresh – III MBBS Students
- 2nd Prize: Mohamaddi Hafsa & Saniya – III MBBS Students
The competition successfully highlighted innovative ideas and messages focused on TB prevention and elimination.
4. Reel Making Activity
A reel-making activity was conducted by the III MBBS students to create awareness regarding ending tuberculosis. The awareness reels were displayed on the digital screens at the NMC Reception Lobby and NET’s Library with support from the IT Cell. The activity attracted the attention of students, staff, and visitors, thereby helping disseminate key messages about TB prevention and treatment.
5. Health Awareness Rally
On 24th March 2026, the District Health & Family Welfare Department, in collaboration with the District Tuberculosis Centre, organized a Health Awareness Rally from the District Health Office to Mahaveer Chowk and back to the District Health Office.
The rally was led by:
- Dr. Surendrababu – District Health Officer (DHO)
- Dr. Mohammad Shakir – District Tuberculosis Officer (DTO)
- Dr. Ganesh – District Surveillance Officer
During the rally, a role play highlighting the importance of ending tuberculosis was performed by the department interns at Teen Kandil Circle. III MBBS students actively participated in the rally and spread awareness among the public.
6. Felicitation Programme for TB Mukth Gram Panchayats
The District Health Officer organized a formal function to appreciate the efforts of the Gram Panchayats participating in the TB Mukth Campaign. Out of 30 Gram Panchayats that claimed TB Mukth status, 18 Gram Panchayats were officially declared as TB Mukth Gram Panchayats for the year 2025 and were awarded Bronze and Silver Medals.
During the programme, Dr. Roopakala N delivered a health awareness talk on the importance of ending TB and sustaining TB-free communities.
7. Radio Talk
As part of mass awareness activities, a radio talk on the topic “TB Burden and its Control Measures” was delivered by Dr. Roopakala N and Dr. Pratibha Reddy. The talk emphasized the current burden of tuberculosis, preventive strategies, treatment compliance, and the importance of community participation in TB elimination.
Faculty Participation
The following faculty members and staff actively participated in the World Tuberculosis Day activities:
- Dr. Arshiya Taranum – Professor
- Dr. Sujatha N – Associate Professor
- Dr. Roopakala N – Assistant Professor
- Dr. Pratibha – Assistant Professor
- Dr. Vignesh – Postgraduate
- Dr. Bhagyashree – Postgraduate
- Interns posted in the Department of Community Medicine
Conclusion
The observation of World Tuberculosis Day 2026 was successfully conducted through a series of community outreach activities, awareness campaigns, competitions, rallies, and educational programmes. The activities significantly contributed to increasing awareness regarding tuberculosis and reinforced the commitment of the Department of Community Medicine towards the national goal of a TB-Free India.
