Target TB working in partnership with Network Theni in India

Country/regional profile

India has a population of approximately 1.1 billion people and is one of the world's fastest growing economies, yet over a quarter of people in India still live on less than $1 a day.

Poverty and TB are inextricably linked and India has the highest incidence of TB in the world. Approximately 1.9 million new cases emerge each year and over 1,000 Indians die of TB every single day.

This project operates in Theni district, in the Southern state of Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu has one of the highest levels of TB and HIV in India and the dual epidemics are a significant health threat. In Theni district two-thirds of people depend on agriculture for their livelihood. Many people work as daily wage labourers in crop fields; ill health from TB leaves many people unable to work and the loss of income often pushes families further into poverty.

A community volunteer from Network Theni monitors a patient’s adherence to TB treatment

A community volunteer from Network
Theni monitors a patient’s adherence
to TB treatment

Our work with Network Theni

Target TB has a long established partnership working with a network of 6 local Indian NGOs in Theni district, including 1 association of HIV-positive people. Together, Network Theni provide TB and HIV health and support services reaching over 325,000 people.

Project Aims

The project aims to reduce TB transmission and multi-drug resistance by increasing access to healthcare services and supporting patients throughout their treatment. Network Theni also engages in studies which aim to assess the quality and effectiveness of TB and HIV services in the area.

The studies focus on community-based responses to TB and HIV control to present a model of best practice. Study findings will be used to advocate for improvements at local, national and international levels.

Project Activities

  • Mobilising and coordinating field workers and community volunteers to carry out TB control activities including referral to testing centres, DOTS monitoring, home-based care and support services.
  • Carrying out TB awareness campaigns to improve the general public’s understanding of TB.
  • Working in partnership with government health services to ensure best practices for TB treatment and improving access to basic healthcare facilities.
  • Strengthening the local support network for people affected by both TB and HIV.
  • Working in collaboration with the Maharashtra Association for Anthropological Science to carry out studies into the impact of community based TB control programmes and civil society groups' impact.