Union Health Minister Launches JOSH Teams for TB Elimination
Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda launched the JOSH (Joint Squad for Health) Teams initiative under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, marking a significant step in strengthening youth-led community participation in India's tuberculosis elimination efforts. The initiative aims to harness the energy and outreach of young people to promote TB prevention, early diagnosis, timely treatment, and stigma reduction across communities nationwide.
India's TB Elimination Progress and Targets
India has achieved substantial progress in its TB elimination efforts, with a 21% decline in TB incidence compared to a 12% decline globally, according to the latest World Health Organization report. The country's TB treatment coverage has risen to 92%, significantly higher than the global average of 78%. A major milestone was achieved with 67,933 Panchayats across 697 districts being recognized as TB-free in 2026, reflecting the power of community participation and local leadership in the elimination campaign.
JOSH Teams Implementation and Structure
The JOSH initiative is being implemented by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and the Ministry of Defence. Each JOSH Team comprises five MY Bharat Volunteers and five NCC Cadets led by a designated Class-I officer at the Block/Ward level. In the first phase, JOSH Teams have been deployed in 55 districts across 11 States and Union Territories, with plans for nationwide expansion. The teams will function as community-level interfaces for the TB elimination program, undertaking regular outreach activities to improve public understanding of TB and promote early diagnosis and treatment.
Technological and Digital Initiatives
The event also witnessed the launch of several digital initiatives to support TB elimination efforts. Khushi Avatar, an e-Sangini initiative, was launched to provide information on TB symptoms and treatment options in 12 Indian languages, addressing common queries and reminding patients to take medicines on time. A dedicated JOSH Teams feature was added to the TB Mukt Bharat App to support youth-led team activities. New IEC materials including a JOSH Flipbook and JOSH Brochure were launched to support awareness and outreach activities.
Leadership Perspectives and Strategic Direction
Union Health Minister Shri Nadda emphasized that TB elimination requires going beyond awareness and screening to encompass the entire continuum of care, including diagnosis, treatment, and treatment completion. He stressed the importance of active case finding to identify individuals who may be living with TB without recognizing their symptoms. Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya highlighted India's determination to achieve TB elimination ahead of the global 2030 timeline, leveraging the country's youth potential. Minister of State for Defence Shri Sanjay Seth emphasized the need to reach every village and household, particularly where fear and stigma may prevent people from seeking timely care.