Actor, filmmaker and TB survivor Suhasini Maniratnam taking part in an event to mark World TB Day along with Health Minister Ma. Subramanian, Soumya Swaminathan, chairperson, M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation and Nalini Krishnan, executive secretary and co-founder, REACH and officials of the Health department on Wednesday

“If you ever meet someone with tuberculosis, act with kindness. Instead of judgement, encourage them to complete their treatment,” actor, filmmaker and TB survivor Suhasini Maniratnam said at an event held to commemorate World TB Day on Wednesday.

She recalled being diagnosed with TB twice, at the age of five, and at 38. “When I had TB at 38, I noticed how people reacted differently once they knew about my diagnosis. Some were supportive, but others kept their distance. That kind of isolation can be as painful as the disease itself,” she said.

With the right care and mindset, one can come stronger than before, she said, adding: “We need to stop treating patients with TB differently. The real enemy is misinformation, not the people suffering from the disease. We must educate ourselves and others that it is curable with the right treatment. It can happen to anyone, rich or poor, young or old, fit or unfit. With proper medical care and support, patients can recover and lead active wonderful lives.”

“I also stand as a reminder that we must change the way we talk about this disease. Let’s replace stigma and fear with knowledge,” she added.

At the event jointly organised by the Health and Family Welfare Department, government of Tamil Nadu and REACH, a non-profit organisation working on TB for over 25 years, Health Minister Ma. Subramanian launched an awareness campaign focussed on involving auto unions and drivers to display messages on TB. He reinforced the State’s commitment to adopting innovative strategies to work towards TB elimination and to working in partnership with civil society organisations such as REACH.

Speaking on the occasion, Soumya Swaminathan, chairperson, M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, pointed out that several new tools were in the pipeline for TB diagnosis and treatment. “We must expand the use of Artificial Intelligence-enabled X-rays to find even those without TB symptoms, that is sub-clinical TB. In the absence of a vaccine, we must focus on reducing the deaths due to TB, by identifying the key risk factors at the time of treatment initiation,” she said.

Tamil Nadu received an award from the Union Health Ministry for increasing presumptive TB examination during the “100 Days Intensified Tuberculosis Campaign” . The Minister presented prizes and certificates of appreciation to doctors and staff on the occasion. Arun Thamburaj, Mission Director, National Health Mission, Tamil Nadu, Asha Frederick, State TB Officer, Nalini Krishnan, executive secretary and co-founder of REACH, senior health officials and officials of the Greater Chennai Corporation were present.