The Union government in India has recently introduced a new initiative for children and adolescents under the age of 18. This scheme is designed to universally screen for diseases such as leprosy and tuberculosis (TB), aiming to benefit approximately 25 crore children and teenagers every year. Its implementation will facilitate early detection and timely treatment of these diseases.
The Role of Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) Mobile Health Teams
The scheme entrusts the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) mobile health teams with the task of carrying out comprehensive screenings for TB and leprosy in children. Earlier, this mandate was limited to children between the ages of 0-6 years who were screened at Anganwadis, and those from 6-18 years who were enlisted in government and government-aided schools.
The RBSK initiative focusses on early disease identification and intervention in children from birth to 18 years old. It addresses the four Ds: Defects at birth, Deficiencies, Diseases, & Developmental delays, including Disability.
Leprosy & TB: A Significant Health Burden in India
Even though India technically eliminated leprosy back in 2005, and all states except for Chhattisgarh and the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli have eradicated the disease, the country continues to detect about 1.15-1.2 lakh new cases of leprosy each year.
Tuberculosis, however, remains a significant threat to public health. The disease claims an estimated 4.8 lakh lives annually, which translates to over 1,400 deaths daily. India carries the heaviest TB load globally, reporting more than a million ‘missing’ cases each year. Many of these remain either undetected or improperly diagnosed and often receive treatment from private medical practitioners.
Data on Leprosy and Tuberculosis Cases in India
| Year | New Leprosy Cases Detected | Tuberculosis Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 1.2 lakh | 4.8 lakh |
| 2006-Present | 1.15-1.2 lakh per year | 1,400 per day |
The Way Forward: A Focus on Early Detection and Intervention
With stigma still attached to leprosy, the authorities have a challenge in administering preventive medication to social clusters, including family and friends, without drawing attention. Early disease detection and prompt intervention are key strategies for preventing disabilities and eliminating the disease entirely.