VIJAYAWADA: According to data in the 'India TB Report 2023', released by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 99.9% of tuberculosis (TB) patients, totalling 92,978 patients, underwent HIV tests. This places Andhra Pradesh as the second-highest in the country, trailing only Lakshadweep, which reported 100% status among 22 patients, and signifies a commendable achievement in tackling TB-HIV co-infections.
In line with the National TB Elimination Programme's (NTEP) accelerated efforts guided by the National Strategic Plan (NSP) 2017-2025, the state has achieved a record high notification of 24.2 lakh TB cases in 2022, marking a 13% increase from the previous year. This included a notable rise in private TB case notifications to 7.3 lakh, indicating improved detection and reporting mechanisms.
Robust case-finding efforts are key factors contributing to the state's success in TB management. The presumptive TB examination rate (PTBER) soared to 1281 per lakh population in 2022, marking a significant 68% increase from the previous year.
Furthermore, AP has shown exemplary efforts in addressing TB-HIV co-infections, with 4,288 diagnosed patients receiving appropriate care and support. Notably, 4,160 TB-HIV co-infected patients were put on antiretroviral therapy (ART), while 4,253 received cotrimoxazole preventive therapy (CPT), reflecting comprehensive management strategies aimed at improving patient outcomes and reducing mortality rates.
Presumptive TB cases examined were 268,507, with 32,486 (12%) having known HIV status. Paediatric TB patients notified were 2,708, with 2,697 (almost 100%) having known HIV status.
The state's proactive approach in strengthening TB surveillance and case finding activities includes a robust presumptive TB examination rate of 1281 per 1,00,000 population, highlighting the extensive efforts to detect and diagnose TB cases promptly.
Andhra Pradesh's efforts extend to pediatric TB patients, with 2,708 cases notified and 2,677 initiated on treatment in 2022. Additionally, the state has prioritised the diagnosis and treatment of multidrug-resistant/rifampicin-resistant (MDR/RR) TB, with 63,801 patients diagnosed.
The state has also implemented innovative strategies and collaborated with partners to expand access to TB services and improve patient care. Moreover, AP's proactive approach to TB surveillance and modelling has been instrumental in guiding policy decisions and resource allocation.
The state has focused on achieving TB elimination targets, expanding access to services, strengthening diagnostic and treatment infrastructure, and ensuring equitable healthcare delivery.