A policy note urging that TB patients be covered under the Indian Parliament’s proposed Food Security Bill was submitted this month to The Union Minister for Food and Civil Supplies and will be forwarded to the standing committee that is reviewing the bill. The appeal to provide nutritional support for TB patients stemmed from discussions at the District TB Patients’ Forums in the state of Kerala and has been supported by the Catholic Health Association of India – a Project Axshya partner – and The Union South-East Asia Office.

Working in a safe, secure environment isn't a given in many places across India. For example, poor conditions in India's mines mean workers are regularly exposed to silica dust leading to silicosis, a chronic disease of the lungs. Unfortunately, for many poor migrant workers, it's a risk they are willing to take.

Awareness to Action through Multi-Channel Advocacy for Effective Tobacco Control in India: Capacity Building in Five Indian States.

The Union South-East Asia Office (USEA) was pleasantly surprised when a delegation of several French parliamentarians and civil society representatives decided to stop by its New Delhi office on 8 February to learn more about USEA and its TB control activities, particularly Project Axshya.