| Considering the fact that role of NGOs in implementing the RNTCP is vital, and their role in health promotion in the community and many patients seek support in getting quality care and treatment, t he Central TB Division (CTD), GoI identified Blue Peter Research Centre of LEPRA Society as a nodal agency for Drug Resistance Study in collaboration with Andhra Pradesh State Tuberculosis Society for AP. LEPRA Society supports the State and District TB societies in implementing the RNTCP through Microscopy and treatment centre -Scheme IV and TB Unit Model-Scheme V. Apart from this, LEPRA Society contributes to the program in implementing health education, outreach activities, provision of DOTS, referral for hospitalization and in conducting research.
LEPRA Society allocated funds to the tune of Rs. 19 million (exclusively for TB work) from the total of 192 million for its operations in the 4 states in India.
In the initial phase of intervention it was observed that TB is one of the major health problems among the tribal communities. The other factors include lack of awareness and access to reach services is the challenges to be addressed. The other parameters like such as collection of sputum at the outreach pockets, effective communication strategy, involvement of community in case holding and detection and regular follow up of cases are taken up realizing the intensity of the tuberculosis situation in the project areas .This programme was further extended till June 2002 with support from European Commission and during this course of intervention 822 cases were detected with sputum conversion rate of 93% and cure rate of 89%.
Besides the above, LEPRA was involved in activities such as capacity building and awareness generation, to the health care providers and the general population respectively in AP, MP, Orissa and Bihar. |
