New Delhi, October 7 (APAC Media): The Union Government is set to launch JOSH (Joint Squad for Health) Teams across 55 districts in 11 states to strengthen youth-led community mobilisation and raise awareness about tuberculosis.
The initiative will be launched on October 8 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, jointly by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and Ministry of Defence.
Youth to Drive Grassroots TB Awareness
JOSH Teams will bring together Class-I officers, MY Bharat volunteers and NCC cadets to take the TB Mukt Bharat message to communities.
During the first phase, the teams will work at the block, ward and community levels, spreading awareness about TB symptoms, prevention, timely diagnosis and completion of treatment.
The initiative will also focus on addressing myths and misconceptions around tuberculosis, reducing stigma and encouraging greater public participation in TB elimination efforts.
AI Chatbot to Support Awareness Campaign
The launch will also feature new Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials for the campaign.
An AI-powered chatbot, Khushi Avatar, will also be introduced to strengthen public awareness, community engagement and participation in the national TB elimination programme.
Building on Community Participation
The JOSH initiative builds on the Government’s Jan Bhagidari, or people’s participation, approach to TB elimination.
In 2025, 67,933 Panchayats across 697 districts were recognised as TB Mukt, reflecting the contribution of health workers, elected representatives, community members and volunteers.
By bringing youth networks into organised community outreach, JOSH Teams aim to strengthen awareness and mobilisation at the grassroots level.
Whole-of-Government Approach
The initiative brings together the health, youth and defence sectors for a common national objective.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare will provide the public health and TB elimination framework, while the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and Ministry of Defence will facilitate the participation of MY Bharat volunteers and NCC cadets.
The rollout of JOSH Teams marks another step towards a people-centred, youth-driven and community-led approach to tuberculosis elimination in India
Also Read:
