This article discusses the efforts and achievements of Kerala, a state in the south of India, in the fight against Tuberculosis (TB). Despite being the highest TB burden country in the world, India has made significant progress towards TB
elimination, with Kerala leading the way. The state has implemented various innovative strategies, including involving local governments, establishing successful public-private partnerships, improving case management, and rolling
out TB preventive therapy. However, challenges such as high mortality rates, a high percentage of extra-pulmonary TB cases, and limited diagnostic capacity remain. Overall, Kerala is well-positioned to achieve TB elimination, but
continued efforts and interventions are needed to address the remaining challenges.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health challenge, with India being one of the high-burden countries. Despite significant progress in TB control efforts, there are still challenges to be addressed, such as underdiagnosis, drug
resistance, treatment outcomes influenced by socioeconomic factors, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Efforts to achieve TB elimination by 2025 require intensified research, innovation, and significant investment. A multi-sectoral approach involving all stakeholders is essential to end TB. India's National Tuberculosis Elimination Program has made significant strides, but challenges persist. It is crucial to maintain political commitment, utilize rapid diagnostic tests and effective treatment regimens, and ensure consistent supervision and monitoring. Collaboration and collective efforts are needed to achieve the TB elimination target by 2025.

Tuberculosis (TB) has long been stigmatized, leading to social isolation,
discrimination, and mental health challenges for affected individuals. The
intersection of TB stigma and mental health is complex, with stigma hindering
treatment outcomes and exacerbating mental health issues. Efforts to address
stigma and mental health must be integrated into TB care, focusing on
education, community support, integrated healthcare, and responsible media
engagement. By adopting a holistic approach, we can create a supportive
environment that promotes understanding, reduces stigma, and enhances the
overall well-being of individuals affected by TB.
Introduction:
Over the years, Tuberculosis has been at the forefront of infectious diseases
that have caused enormous suffering to humanity. Morbidity and mortality both
led to societal stigma from the disease.
Tuberculosis (TB) and mental health are two distinct domains often
overshadowed by stigma in society. Here, we explore the intersection of the
stigma associated with TB and its impact on mental health, highlighting the
need for a holistic approach to address the challenges faced by individuals
grappling with both.

This article gives insight into the financial burden of tuberculosis (TB) in India, with a specific emphasis on low-
income households and tribal people who endure significant out-of-pocket spending, catastrophic costs, and
impoverishment. The article emphasizes the challenges encountered by low-income households and tribal
populations, the frequent use of private health facilities for tuberculosis care, and the impact of poverty on the
results of tuberculosis treatment. It also explores the impact of AB-PMJAY scheme towards reducing financial
obstacles in tackling tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a pressing global health challenge, with millions of people falling ill and losing their lives to this infectious disease each year. Despite significant progress in TB control efforts, there are still formidable challenges to be addressed on the path to achieving TB elimination by 2030. The articles presented shed light on the complexities of TB care, including issues such as stigma, mental health implications, drug resistance, underdiagnosis, and the impact of socioeconomic factors and the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year's World TB Day theme: Yes! We Can End TB serves to remind us that we can and must do more to end TB. Different stakeholders, governments, civil society, and the private sector are collectively committed to ending the global TB epidemic by 2030.

To achieve the goal, all partners should collaborate to strengthen the existing diagnostic and treatment facility, patient support system and communication that needs to be built around the strategy. The concurrent multi-prong approach will lead to the achievement of the goals. All stakeholders must actively participate in the TB elimination program to augment their efforts in this direction to make this dream a reality. Synergies must be developed among partners, and there should be no duplication of efforts.