Community Engagement to END TB: Commemorating World TB Day 2026
As part of commemorating World TB Day 2026, the Department of Social & Behavioral Research (DSBR), ICMR–National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis (NIRT), actively contributed to a series of awareness and outreach programs across key institutions.
At the Food Corporation of India (FCI), Chetpet, Chennai, a TB awareness program was conducted by MSW internship trainees from Loyola College featuring an interactive puppet show, followed by an informative session by Mr. S. Senthil. Dr. P. Murugesan further captivated the audience through a traditional “Villu Paatu” performance, effectively blending culture with public health messaging.
Marking the start of fourth year of its flagship initiative, Wings of Support (Udhavum Siragugal), DSBR participated in patient welfare program organized by Government Hospital of Thoracic Medicine (GHTM), Tambaram in the presence of Dr. P. M. Ramesh (Superintendent & HOD, GHTM), Dr. Saravanan (Associate Professor, Stanley Medical College), and Dr. Rathika (RMO, GHTM). An engaging TB awareness session using puppetry was performed by DSBR team including MPH internship trainees from SRMIST, Kattankulathur, Chennai, simplifying TB-related information for patients.
As part of the World TB Day event organized by Institute of Thoracic Medicine (ITM), Chetpet, Mrs. Chandra Suresh delivered a session on TB nutrition and the importance of treatment adherence, followed by an interactive “Villu Paatu” performance by Dr. P. Murugesan that effectively enhanced patient engagement and awareness. Dr. Vinod Kumar Director, and Dr. Jesudoss, ITM, along with Dr. N. Karikalan, ICMR-NIRT, graced the event.
