PRI sensitization and their engagement in TB response at Panchayat Level

Introduction and Rationale

The ALLIES Project interventions intend to create an enabling environment with empowered community advocates for improved quality of care and services in TB treatment; such a mission is only feasible when social, political, and economic forces join hands to realize the objectives of the project. Thus, sensitization and engagement of elected representatives is a crucial step to scale up the addressing of systemic issues by the political leadership in a district or state.

Overall approach & Key strategies

In this context, the ALLIES team have been sensitizing elected representatives at different levels starting from the ward/village level to the constituency.

TB Champions organize sensitization meetings for the elected representatives in coordination with the Tuberculosis Unit (TU) staff, and engage in one-on-one interactions to sensitize them on TB. They are instrumental in sensitizing PRI members by sharing with them their own TB journey, and seeking the Panchayat’s engagement in the TB response. 

Outcomes

Some PRI members sensitized about the NTEP and ALLIES project by our TB Champions realized the nutritional needs of the persons with TB (PwTB) and provided nutritional support to them. Some others, supported a PwTB in buying seeds for developing a kitchen garden. Financial support was provided to a TB Champion to do wall painting on TB.

Some of the PRI members participated in a TB awareness campaign, addressing the stigma associated with TB. On World TB Day 2022, many of the Elected Representatives joined different meetings organized by the ALLIES project. Overall, 33 PRI members are engaged in the program and supported PwTBs in different ways.

Source : TBC India