New Delhi, Oct 8 (IAS) Union Health and Family Welfare Minister J.P. Nadda and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday launched JOSH (Joint Squad for Health) Teams under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaany to strengthen youth-led community participation in efforts to eliminate tuberculosis.
Describing the launch of JOSH Teams as a milestone in the collective fight against tuberculosis, Nadda said a WHO report shows India has recorded a 21 per cent decline in TB incidence and treatment coverage rose to 92 per cent, significantly ahead of global trends.
He said that the country’s efforts towards a TB Mukt Bharat have evolved from a conventional health programme into a people’s movement, with Jan Bhagidari and community ownership emerging as the defining pillars of the national response.
Nadda emphasised that the goal of eliminating TB cannot be achieved by government interventions alone and requires the active participation of communities, citizens, elected representatives, frontline workers and, particularly, the youth of the country.
Highlighting the importance of youth-led action, Nadda said that the energy, commitment and outreach of young people can give new momentum to the TB elimination movement.
Speaking about the rollout of JOSH Teams, Nadda said that the initiative is being launched in the first phase across 11 States and will progressively expand its grassroots presence.
In a message on X, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said, “Joined Hon’ble Union Health Minister Shri @JPNaddaJi at Bharat Mandapam for the launch of JOSH (Joint Squad for Health), an initiative mobilising youth and communities in the fight against TB.”
“Inspired by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji’s vision, JOSH aims to transform the fight against tuberculosis into a nationwide people’s movement. Defeat TB. Let India Win! Together, let us work towards a Viksit Bharat, Samriddh Bharat and Swasth Bharat!” she wrote on X.
Speaking at the launch event, Chief Minister Gupta said that the initiative marks an important step towards strengthening India’s efforts to eliminate tuberculosis by taking the campaign directly to communities.
She appreciated the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for bringing together the Ministries of Youth Affairs and Sports and Defence for this purpose, noting that the convergence of their strengths can significantly expand the reach of the TB elimination campaign.
The Chief Minister emphasised that the energy, dedication and outreach of young people can make JOSH Teams a powerful force in the fight against TB.
She said that young volunteers can help raise awareness about prevention, early detection and treatment in communities and motivate people to seek timely care, while also helping address the stigma associated with the disease.