Youth Leadership Takes Center Stage in India’s TB Response at National Workshop

A two-day National Youth Leadership Workshop on tuberculosis (TB), convened by YOUNITE India in collaboration with the Central TB Division (MoHFW) and Fast Track the Cure brought together approximately 80 young leaders from 15 high TB-burden states across India.

The workshop focused on strengthening the role of youth in India’s TB response, with participants drawn from networks including MY Bharat, NSS, and Viksit Bharat. Over two days, attendees engaged in sessions on TB prevention, care, and community engagement, alongside group work addressing stigma reduction, psychosocial support, and digital advocacy.

A central component of the workshop was the development of youth-led action plans, aimed at translating learning into practical efforts within participants’ communities. The program also included contributions from national experts and facilitators, supporting participants in identifying gaps across the care journey and reflecting on real-world challenges faced by people affected by TB.

YOUNITE India led the design and delivery of the workshop, with Fast Track the Cure and TB Alliance contributing to the development of technical content and session facilitation. The collaboration reflects a broader emphasis on integrating community and youth perspectives into TB programming and policy.

The workshop also reinforced the role of young people as Ni-kshay Mitras and advocates within India’s TB elimination efforts. As participants return to their respective states, the focus shifts to implementation—applying insights from the workshop to strengthen local responses and contribute to the goal of a TB-Mukt Bharat.