AI-based community TB drive boosts detection in tribal districts of Rajasthan

New Delhi: A science and technology-driven, community-led initiative has helped improve tuberculosis detection and control in several underserved tribal districts of Rajasthan, according to the Department of Science and Technology (DST).

The initiative, led by AIIMS Jodhpur, used cluster-based population surveys, active case finding, laboratory confirmation and data analysis to assess the burden of active and latent TB and identify drug-resistance patterns.

With support from the SEED division of DST, researchers conducted household surveys, symptom screening, sputum testing and NTEP-based diagnostics among more than 6,000 people across Sirohi, Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Dungarpur, Pratapgarh and Banswara districts.

The study was led by Dr Shoban Babu Varthya, additional professor in the Department of Pharmacology at AIIMS Jodhpur.

Researchers worked with healthcare workers and panchayat representatives and conducted community workshops to raise awareness about TB, tackle stigma and encourage early diagnosis.

People reporting TB symptoms and those testing positive were identified and provided treatment according to national guidelines.

The initiative also encouraged preventive screening among household contacts of TB patients, with the aim of detecting infections early and reducing transmission.

Researchers said the approach helped generate scientific data that could support implementation of the TB Mukt Panchayat model in vulnerable communities.

The initiative demonstrates how community participation combined with epidemiological research, laboratory testing and data analysis can generate actionable information for improving TB control in remote areas, DST said.