On 25th March 2025, in recognition of World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, an enlightening awareness session was held at Jeevan Dhara Centre, Indira Nagar, Cotton Green, Mumbai. This session aimed to educate children about tuberculosis, its prevention, symptoms, and treatment. Organised in collaboration with YUVA India, the session was attended by Ms. Priti Gupta, Centre In-charge of Jeevan Dhara, and conducted by Ms. Vanita Salunke from YUVA India. The event focused on imparting essential health knowledge to children and encouraging them to share this information with their families.

Making Health Education Fun and Engaging

Children play a crucial role in building a healthier future, and empowering them with the right knowledge ensures a stronger community. The session was designed to be interactive and engaging, allowing children to participate actively and ask questions about TB and general health.

Ms. Vanita Salunke led the session, making sure that the children could grasp the information in a simple and relatable way. Since TB is a contagious disease, meaning it spreads from person to person, it was important to explain how this happens and how it can be prevented.

Understanding Tuberculosis: A Disease That Can Be Prevented and Treated

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs but can also impact other parts of the body. It spreads when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, releasing bacteria into the air. When others breathe in these bacteria, they may become infected.

There are two types of TB:

1. Latent TB: The bacteria exist in the body but do not cause illness or symptoms. This type is not contagious.
2. Active TB: The bacteria multiply, leading to sickness and symptoms. This type is contagious and requires treatment.

Recognising the Signs of TB

Ms. Vanita explained that early detection of TB is essential for effective treatment. The children were encouraged to look out for these symptoms:

• Cough lasting more than two weeks
• Fever and sweating at night
• Unintentional weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Constant tiredness
• Coughing up blood (in severe cases)

To help the children relate, examples of common illnesses such as colds and flu were discussed, comparing their symptoms with those of TB.

Promoting Family Health and Hygiene

Apart from personal health, the session also highlighted the importance of family well-being. TB is a disease that can affect entire households, so children were encouraged to discuss what they learned with their families.

Important messages for families:

• Anyone experiencing TB symptoms should visit a doctor immediately.
• TB is curable with proper treatment and should not be ignored.
• A healthy lifestyle, including good nutrition, hygiene, and fresh air, helps prevent TB.

An Interactive Learning Experience with Video Support

To make the session more engaging, a short educational video was shown. This video explained:

• How TB spreads and why covering the mouth while coughing or sneezing is important.
• The difference between Latent TB and Active TB.
• The role of medications in curing TB and why completing the full course is necessary.
• The importance of eating healthy and maintaining hygiene to strengthen immunity.

Following the video, the children participated in a discussion, eagerly sharing what they had learned.

Dispelling Myths About TB

A significant part of the session was dedicated to addressing common misconceptions about TB. Some children had heard myths such as TB being a curse or an incurable disease. These misconceptions were corrected with facts:

• TB is NOT a punishment – it is a bacterial infection that can be treated.
• TB is completely curable – with the right medication and care.
• TB patients should not be isolated – they need support, understanding, and proper medical treatment.

Healthy Habits for a TB-Free Future

The children were also introduced to simple but effective healthy habits that can help prevent TB:

• Washing hands regularly to remove germs.
• Eating nutritious food such as fruits, vegetables, and protein-rich meals to build immunity.
• Staying in well-ventilated areas to reduce the risk of infections.
• Encouraging anyone with a cough to wear a mask or cover their mouth while coughing or sneezing.
• Ensuring complete TB treatment if diagnosed, as stopping medication early can cause TB to return.

A Successful Initiative for Spreading Awareness

The TB awareness session at Jeevan Dhara Centre was a resounding success, with children not only learning about the disease but also pledging to share the knowledge with their families. YUVA India, in partnership with Jeevan Dhara Centre, took an important step towards creating a more informed and health-conscious community.

By using interactive discussions, storytelling, and engaging visual aids like videos, the children left the session feeling empowered and responsible for their own health. With increased awareness and timely action, we can all contribute to a TB-free world.

Knowledge Empowers Change

Every child who learns about TB today becomes a messenger of health for tomorrow. Let us continue to spread awareness, correct misconceptions, and support those affected by TB. Together, we can build a healthier and stronger society!