TB a major public health challenge: Lt Governor

New Delhi, Oct 4 (UNI) Lt Governor Tejendra Khanna today said tuberculosis continues to be a major public health challenge and awareness needs to be raised about its cure.

''Ignorance about the fact that the disease is curable is also one reason for its high incidence,'' Mr Khanna said at the launch of 58th State level TB Seal Sale Campaign of the Delhi Tuberculosis Association.

He urged the citizens to make generous contribution to the Delhi Tuberculosis Association for its TB prevention and control programmes.

Mr Khanna said he will also appeal to Industries' Association-- FICCI and ASSOCHAM-- to voluntarily contribute to the cause.

At present, there are approximately 5 lakh TB patients in Delhi, which makes about 3 per cent of the total population in the country.

The Delhi TB Association sold seals worth Rs 30 lakh last year, which is an increase of four lakh over the previous year.

The sale target for this year is Rs 35 lakh. The sale proceeds from the campaigns are utilized by the Association to raise general awareness about tuberculosis.

UNI