'Eli Lilly-Children International' launches Teen Campaign to reduce TB cases in India

US drug major Eli Lilly, through its Lilly MDR TB Partnership and Children International have launched a yearlong public awareness campaign aimed to bolster the TB eradication in India. Lilly MDR TB Partnership, with the support of the local government, hopes the campaign will empower the teen community with necessary resources to help reach out to the 800 community members residing in two high risk neighborhoods of Kolkata.

"The objective of the campaign is to prevent patients dropping out of treatment programs besides providing all round disease awareness, support and motivation for TB patients to complete their treatment with a practical approach," said Ramdas Pai, Regional Director, Asia, Children International.

Under the program, 15-20 motivated trained teens will be trained to become 'Youth Peer Educators' or YPEs who will then use a variety of health education techniques, including street theater, school presentations and discussions, and one-on-one counseling to educate the community.