Ten JOSH (Joint Squad for Health) teams were launched in Union Health Minister JP Nadda’s presence on Thursday with the involvement of youth volunteers in the battle against tuberculosis in the country.
First phase of the initiative rolled out in the 55 districts of 11 States and UTs. The teams aim to enhance community outreach efforts and bridge the information gap between the community and TB prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
Each JOSH Team comprises of 5 MY Bharat Volunteers and 5 National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets. Each team will be led by a designated Class-I officer at the block/ward level. Deliver Household/Community Interactions to share awareness on common TB symptoms, Prevention, early diagnosis and importance of TB completion.
The teams will also aim to tackle some of the myths and misconceptions regarding TB and try to diminish the stigma and the discrimination of individuals affected by TB. They will motivate people who have symptoms to get tested and will assist patients in accessing healthcare.
The plan will now be rolled out, gradually, on the ground, and a more widespread presence will be seen, Nadda said. These teams will work on the district & block level and will be monitored and implemented through digital platforms with the purpose of identifying gaps and getting those who are not within the formal healthcare system.
This is pioneered by the Health Ministry along with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Ministry of Defence, according to the ministry. The decision came on the basis of a suggestion to take part of the young section in an institutional manner in TB elimination campaign, said Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava.
Since December 2024 the government has been upping the ante in its drive to eliminate TB and the scheme has now been rolled out across the country. The purpose of the JOSH Teams is to incorporate a youth-led community outreach component into these activities and improve adherence to awareness, early detection and treatment activities.