Community-led framework addressing twin epidemics of TB and mental health released

An oft-neglected but critical aspect in the fight against tuberculosis, is the impact the disease has on the mental health of those affected by it. To address this gap, a community-led framework that focuses on the integration of TB and mental health care, addressing these two interlinked epidemics, has been released by Survivors Against TB, a group of tuberculosis survivors who advocate on key issues around TB in India, to impact policy and create awareness. The framework outlines a model that includes: integrated screening for TB and MH issues at all stages of the care cascade; psychosocial support to address stigma and emotional challenges; community-based interventions, leveraging peer networks and family support; disease literacy and education to empower affected individuals; post-treatment support for sustained recovery; capacity building for healthcare providers to deliver integrated care effectively and policy advocacy for increased resource allocation and holistic guidelines. “Our lived experiences have shown us that the intersections of TB and mental health are critical yet often ignored in care models,” say Akshata Acharya and Deepti Chavan, both MDR TB survivors, in the document. In her foreward to the framework, former World Health Organization Chief Scientist Soumya Swaminathan says: “The integration of mental health into TB care is not just an option—it is an urgent necessity.