Visakhapatnam North MLA P. Vishnu Kumar Raju participated in a tuberculosis (TB) awareness programme on Friday and urged people to actively support efforts to build a TB-free India.

On the occasion, the MLA unveiled a wall poster carrying information on tuberculosis and the importance of early detection and treatment. Addressing the gathering, he said that public participation is essential for the success of the national campaign against the disease and called upon people to make use of the screening and diagnostic services being offered.

Mr. Raju advised individuals experiencing symptoms such as persistent cough for more than two weeks, fever, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, night sweats, fatigue, or blood-streaked sputum to visit the nearest health centre and undergo medical examination without delay.

Highlighting the TBMBA 2.0 programme, he urged high-risk groups, including smokers, senior citizens above 60 years, persons with diabetes, those with a history of tuberculosis, and individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) below 18, to undergo sputum and chest X-ray tests for early diagnosis.

District TB Officer Ronanki Ramesh and health department staff participated in the programme.