NEW DELHI: Jammu and Kashmir recorded 1,647 paediatric tuberculosis (TB) cases over the past three years, with 600 cases in 2022, 531 in 2023, and 516 in 2024, according to government data.
As per the Ni-kshay database maintained under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP), India reported 1,35,921 paediatric TB cases in 2022, 1,43,174 cases in 2023, and 1,41,182 cases in 2024. The state-wise data shows that Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a decline in cases, mirroring the national trend of fluctuating TB incidence in children.
To combat paediatric TB, the government has implemented several measures, including the expansion of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) and the introduction of upfront rapid molecular diagnostics for suspected cases. Child-friendly drug formulations are being provided, including for drug-resistant TB cases. Additionally, the government has enhanced direct benefit transfers under the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana, increasing monthly nutritional support for TB patients from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 effective from November 2024.
The Ni-kshay Mitra initiative has also been expanded to cover household contacts of TB patients, while collaboration with the Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) aims to enhance paediatric TB case notifications in the private sector. Mobile Medical Units are being deployed for TB screening under the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) and Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK) to ensure early detection and treatment.
