Puducherry: In a dynamic effort to combat tuberculosis (TB) and raise public awareness, the State Tuberculosis Office (STC), Puducherry, in collaboration with Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute (IGMCRI), organized a high-impact marathon. Themed "Join the Race to End TB," this event was a key initiative under India's ongoing 100-day TB awareness campaign, aimed at mobilizing communities to fight against one of the nation’s most pressing health concerns.

With over 300 enthusiastic participants, the marathon served as a platform to spread crucial information about TB prevention, early diagnosis, and effective treatment. It underscored the urgency of addressing India’s high TB burden and emphasized the role of public participation in eliminating the disease.

Leaders and Experts Join Hands to Flag Off the Event

The marathon was flagged off by Senior Superintendent of Police (Law and Order) R. Kalaivanan and Director of Health V. Ravichandran, alongside a distinguished panel of healthcare professionals, including IGMCRI Director C. Udayashankar, Dean Ramachandra Bhat, Professor and Head of Community Medicine Dr. Kavita Vasudevan, State TB Officer C. Venkatesh, and State Consultant Surya.

A Five-Kilometer Run for a TB-Free Future

The race kicked off at IGMCRI, Kadirkamam, covering a five-kilometer route before culminating at Gandhi Thidal. Coordinated under the leadership of R. Anandaraj of the National TB Elimination Program (NTEP-STF), the event saw participation from people of all ages, including students, healthcare workers, fitness enthusiasts, and local community members, all rallying behind the cause of TB eradication.

Raising Awareness Through Action

Organizers highlighted that India continues to face one of the highest TB burdens in the world, making proactive awareness campaigns crucial. Tuberculosis, a preventable and curable disease, still claims thousands of lives due to delayed diagnosis, lack of awareness, and improper treatment adherence. Events like this marathon serve as a reminder that education, lifestyle changes, and community engagement are essential in the fight against TB.

The initiative also emphasized the government’s goal of making India TB-free by 2025, aligning with global efforts to end tuberculosis as a public health crisis. Public health experts stressed that adopting healthier lifestyles, ensuring proper nutrition, and breaking social stigmas associated with TB are key strategies to accelerate progress toward eradication.

Uniting Communities for a Common Cause

The marathon not only raised awareness but also fostered a sense of collective responsibility among participants, encouraging them to become advocates for TB prevention in their communities. Healthcare professionals and policymakers continue to call for increased public participation in similar initiatives to ensure that no individual succumbs to a disease that is both treatable and preventable.

With events like this, Puducherry is setting a strong example for public health awareness and community-driven action, reinforcing the belief that together, we can put an end to tuberculosis.