# Addressing India's Persistent Tuberculosis Crisis Through Systemic Reform Dhun Davar emphasizes that eliminating tuberculosis requires strengthening the underlying social and economic systems. - **Source:** [Sci-Tech News | Latest Technological Developments | The Hindu](https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/) - **Published:** 2026-11-12 - **Topic:** [health](https://brifing.si/c/health) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/b05ea6b8-8f92-4dd5-bfbf-7b5473851e27 ## Global Tuberculosis Burden India currently carries the world's largest tuberculosis burden, accounting for approximately one-quarter of all global cases. Despite this significant challenge, the country has achieved notable progress in recent years. Between 2015 and 2024, the number of new cases decreased by 21 percent, while treatment coverage reached an impressive 92 percent mark. ## The JOSH Campaign Initiative The Central government recently launched the JOSH campaign, which stands for Joint Squad for Health. This initiative is currently active across 11 states and 55 districts throughout the country. Its primary objective is to promote early diagnosis, consistent treatment adherence, and widespread screening to help curb the spread of the disease. ## Youth-Led Community Mobilization A core component of the JOSH campaign involves youth-led community mobilization efforts. By engaging younger generations, the initiative aims to strengthen the national campaign to eliminate tuberculosis. This grassroots approach seeks to improve health outcomes by fostering local participation and ensuring that diagnostic services reach the most vulnerable populations in rural areas. ## Expert Perspective on Elimination Dhun Davar, deputy CEO of programmes at the Asian Venture Philanthropy Network, argues that tuberculosis is deeply rooted in social and economic vulnerability. Davar asserts that the disease can only be truly eliminated if the underlying systems supporting these vulnerable communities are significantly strengthened through targeted investments and improved social infrastructure. ## Role of Social Investors The Asian Venture Philanthropy Network functions as a pan-Asian network connecting social investors, philanthropists, and corporations. These organizations work to direct both funding and technical expertise toward pressing social and environmental challenges. Their portfolio includes critical areas such as health equity, gender equality, climate action, and broader economic inclusion for marginalized groups. ## Systemic Challenges in Healthcare Eliminating a complex disease like tuberculosis requires more than just medical intervention; it demands a holistic approach. Addressing the socioeconomic determinants of health is essential for long-term success. Experts suggest that without tackling poverty and inadequate living conditions, medical treatments alone may struggle to achieve the goal of total disease eradication. ## Data-Driven Policy Implementation The government relies on data provided by the World Health Organization to track progress and refine its national health strategies. By monitoring the 92 percent treatment coverage rate, officials can identify gaps in service delivery. This data-centric approach helps in allocating resources more effectively across the 55 districts currently participating in JOSH. ## Future Outlook for Eradication The path to tuberculosis elimination remains long, requiring sustained political will and community engagement. As the JOSH campaign expands, its success will depend on its ability to integrate medical services with social support systems. Strengthening these foundations is the only viable strategy to ensure that the progress made since 2015 remains sustainable. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/a-disease-rooted-in-social-and-economic-vulnerability-can-only-be-eliminated-as-underlying-systems-become-stronger-dhun-davar/article71677607.ece — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._