Project Axshya

Views on Project Axshya and Tuberculosis

Project Axshya builds a new dimension to TB control in India - community 'ownership' through civil society led public health programming. This activity report tries to capture activities, success stories and progress of the Union led Project Axshya, in the fi rest year of its launch and implementation in 90 districts in the country. Behind this report are a number of processes, human effort, passion, commitment, dedication as well as the challenges of the patient with tuberculosis in India - no report can fully capture all of this. As this project enters its second year and expands to another 150 districts in the country, this report helps us to pause, to say 'thank you' and to encourage each other - patients, the communities they live in, the national programme (RNTCP), implementing partner NGOs, consultants and staff, the Global Fund and many other stakeholders. There is much to do, and not enough time or resources, but Project Axshya has clearly begun well.

- Dr Nevin C Wilson, Regional Director,
The Union South-East Asia Office

Project Axshya, through its innovative interventions focusing on Advocacy, Communication and Social Mobilisation, is strengthening the Revised National TB Control Programme to achieve its objective of Universal Access to TB services

Dr Ashok Kumar
Deputy Director General (TB)
Directorate General of Health Services
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Government of India

The first year's journey in Project Axshya has been very enriching. We managed to reach the nooks and corners of our project areas, and reached the masses through painstakingly conducted awareness campaigns. There is a definite shift in public attitude. But there is still a long way to go. We are confident that the experience gained in the past one year will enable us to work better in the coming years.

Fr Mathew Abraham Officiating Executive Director, CBCI-CARD

The Union is committed to tackle tuberculosis head-on and the mission has been translated into an effective project called Axshya. CHAI being a sub-recipient of Project Axshya has been closely associated with The Union.

Rev. Dr. Tomi Thomas, Director General, CHAI

Project Axshya's special contribution is in stimulating a large-scale community-based mobilisation to build awareness and strengthen access to government TB services, especially in underserved areas.

Dr Vijay Aruldas Kumar, General Secretary, CMAI

Since CMAI is working with the Church, it really helps in spreading the message to the community and this will bring benefit t not only to the community but also to the government.

Mantha Warjri Senior Treatment Supervisor Mawphlang Tuberculosis Unit, East Khasi Hill District

Look at me, I am a TB patient. Don't ignore your cough, get treated, it is free. I'm cured after eight months of medicines. Listen to these people.

In Sahibganj, a patient during a sensitisation meeting

I honestly believe that you are doing a great job for the district to achieve the RNTCP objectives.

DTO of Sonipat district, Haryana, to Dr P K Goswami of MAMTA

Project Axshya is a boon for those who could not access TB services due to various reasons. We seek to reach the unreached and provide them services at their doorstep through our community-based organisation (CBO) partners. We will knock at each door to knock out TB.

Mr J M Singh, Chief Functionary, MSS

PSI is proud to be part of Project Axshya under the leadership of The Union. We are happy that our expertise in communication and experience of working with private sector healthcare providers can play a role in helping the Government of India attain its objectives for TB care and control. PSI teams are looking for ways to improve collaboration with the private sector. We are also generating demand for TB testing, through multi-media communication campaigns, to increase the case detection rate.

Dana Ward, Managing Director, PSI

In Project Axshya PSI will collaboratively create an evidence based mass media campaign that will help to improve knowledge, positive social norms and risk perception among vulnerable populations. In addition, PSI will support capacity building of frontline government health workers (ASHAs) to integrate TB messages in outreach.

Shankar Narayanan, Chief of Party, PSI

Thee most significant achievement of the past year has been getting the support and acceptance of civil society as partners in TB control from state, district and local health authorities, NTP managers and programme staff. Our interaction with local NGOs has brought about a change in their attitude towards TB control, resulting in renewed enthusiasm and commitment among NGO partners as well as the community. There is now a clear internal understanding at REACH that this project will change the outlook for TB Control in India dramatically and we have committed ourselves to do all it takes to push for successful outcomes. The past year has successfully shown that there is a feeling of collective ownership of the programme from all stakeholders ranging from the PMU in Delhi to the village Panchayat leader.

Dr Nalini Krishnan, Director, REACH

This is a first of its kind meeting in my block for the staff and it would certainly improve their functioning.

Dr Meena Hardeep, Senior Medical Officer, Mohali District, Punjab, on VHAI's soft skill workshop for health staff

Project Axshya ensures the participation of civil society to enhance the performance of RNTCP.

Dr Manoj Verma, District TB Officer, Bhopal, MP

Mr Mushtaq Khan, Panchayati Raj Institution Member,
Dongergaon, Indore, MP