Mysuru: Emphasizing the interconnected nature of two major public health challenges, National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) deputy director Dr Anil stated, "We cannot eliminate TB while tobacco remains unaddressed."
Workshop on TB–Tobacco Integration
Addressing a divisional-level workshop on TB–tobacco integration, organized by the State Tobacco Control Cell, Karnataka, in collaboration with NTEP at the State Institute for Urban Development as part of World No Tobacco Day 2026 on Friday, he said the two battles must be fought together.
High Tobacco Use in Karnataka
According to officials, more than 22.8% of adults in Karnataka — nearly 93–94 lakh people — use tobacco in some form. Tobacco users are nearly twice as likely to develop active TB, while continued tobacco use during treatment increases the risk of treatment failure, relapse and death nearly threefold. However, less than 1.3% currently have access to cessation services.
Bridging the Gap
The workshop focused on bridging this gap by equipping newly posted district officers with practical tools, data and implementation protocols to strengthen field-level interventions.
Dr Mallika, deputy director at the Divisional Joint Director’s Office, Mysuru, stressed the importance of coordinated action. Dr Rajni, deputy director of Mental Health and NTCP, said every TB patient represents an opportunity for tobacco cessation intervention.
Dr Kumaraswamy, district health officer, Mysuru, called for effective implementation at the grassroots level.
