S&T based community initiative improves detection and control of TB in Rajasthan

A science and technology-based community initiative conducted by AIIMS Jodhpur with support from the Department of Science and Technology's SEED division has improved tuberculosis (TB) detection and control in tribal districts of Rajasthan, including Sirohi, Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Dungarpur, Pratapgarh, and Banswara. The initiative involved household surveys, symptom screening, sputum testing, active case finding, and laboratory confirmation among more than 6,000 people. By combining epidemiological surveys, healthcare worker participation, and panchayat involvement, the project aimed to address challenges such as difficult terrain, low awareness, social stigma, and delayed diagnosis, thereby supporting the implementation of the TB Mukt Panchayat model using scientific data.