India accounts for approximately 26% of new TB cases and 26% of TB deaths worldwide. Many cases remain uncaptured by surveillance systems, particularly in the private healthcare sector. Despite these challenges, India has made remarkable progress—the WHO’s Global TB Report 2023 highlights a 16% decline in TB incidence between 2015 and 2022, almost double the global rate of improvement. The National TB Elimination Program has also achieved an 18% reduction in TB mortality during this period.
Central to this progress is the Jan Bhagidari (people’s participation) approach, which encourages community ownership of TB elimination efforts. The Lions Clubs of District 3232-F1 best exemplify this community-driven model, having established themselves as crucial partners in the fight against TB since 2013.
Baroda Karelibaug Lions Club took the first step when they took 10 multi-drug resistant (MDR) TB patients under their wing. These patients received essential nutritional support kits recommended by WHO—a critical intervention for those battling a disease known for its lengthy and challenging treatment regimen.
Between 2013 and 2022, Lions of Baroda steadily expanded their efforts, supporting 30 to 35 patients annually. The year 2022 marked a significant turning point when they participated in the Corporate TB Pledge (CTP) initiative, gaining access to broader networks and technical expertise.
“Since last two years, our district has been distributing 1,200 food grain kits valued at Rs.500 each,” says Harshad Shah, Executive Chairperson of District 3232-F1’s TB Elimination Drive. “Motivated by our members’ support, we decided to work on a larger canvas.”
In January 2023 the district hosted the first TB Elimination Seminar in Baroda, bringing together government health officials and 80 Lions Clubs. The impact was immediate—15 clubs adopted 80 TB patients that very day.
The movement gained momentum on World TB Day with seminars in Kheda and Mahisagar districts. Local schoolchildren participated in awareness rallies, while partnerships with regional industries and Deepak Foundation facilitated screening for over 1,00,000 laborers.
That same year, the District organized a fundraising drama performance. With additional support from corporate and PSU partners including Bank of Baroda, they raised Rs.30 lakhs—enough to adopt 1,847 TB patients. An additional Rs.10 lakhs came through awareness campaigns at religious events and industrial expositions.
The mission reached new heights on March 6, 2025, when International Director Ramesh Prajapati facilitated a high-level meeting with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Health Minister Rishikesh Patel. This meeting culminated in a formal Memorandum of Understanding between the State Health and Family Welfare Department and MD 3232, in Gandhinagar.
Present on the occasion were Past International President Frank Moore, PID Pravin Chhajed, MCC Sunil Gugalia and Lion leaders from the multiple.
“This represents a new chapter in our fight against TB,” notes ID Ramesh Prajapati. “Through sustained efforts, impactful awareness programs, and strong government collaboration, Lions of MD 3232 continue their meaningful journey toward a TB-free state.”
What began with helping just 10 patients has transformed into a model initiative that demonstrates how Lions Clubs can partner effectively with government and corporate entities to address critical public health challenges.