The REACH Lilly MDR-TB Media Awards was announced recently in New Delhi, to recognise the excellence in reporting on TB in the country. In the run up to World TB Day on 24 March, citations and cash awards were given to journalists reporting in both English and other languages for their role in highlighting neglected aspects of TB.
In the English category, senior journalist and columnist Ashok Malik was recognised for his story that drew attention to the unforeseen impact of the 9/11 tragedy on TB diagnostics in India. Bhopal-based journalist Shuriah Niazi was chosen for his work that highlighted the impact of TB on mining communities in Madhya Pradesh.
In the local language category, Biju C P was recognised for his story that assessed the state of TB in Kerala, emphasising the availability of free treatment. Anupama Kumari from Ranchi received an award for her work on the impact of industrial pollution on TB in Jharkhand.
On this occasion, Sachin Pilot, Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology congratulated the Lilly MDR TB partnership and REACH for their contribution in the fight against TB. He added “The strength of the vernacular media should not be underestimated as they can play a pivotal role in spreading awareness about this disease. Media outreach similar to that being undertaken for HIV and Polio should take place for TB as well, in order to help alleviate the suffering of millions of Indians who contract this disease every year.”
The awards were evaluated by distinguished juries including Dr Ashok Kumar, deputy director general (TB), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India; Dr Nevin Wilson, director, The Union, South East Asia; Dr P R Narayanan, former director, Tuberculosis Research Centre; Pranay Lal, technical advisor, Union South East Asia; Dr Jaya Shreedhar, technical health advisor, Internews Network and Dr Arjun Rajagopal, president, REACH and medical director, Sundaram Medical Foundation.
“Even though India bears one-fifth of the world’s global TB burden, there is a general lack of awareness about TB and its consequences–most of all, that TB is completely curable. We believe that informed and accurate journalism can have a genuine impact on public understanding of tuberculosis,” said Dr Nalini Krishnan, director, REACH.
“TB poses a daunting challenge to public health. Through this initiative, we at Lilly reiterate our commitment to support innovative ways to fight the increasing burden of this disease,” said Sandeep Gupta, CMD Eli Lilly and Company (India).
Dr Ashok Kumar, deputy director general, Central TB Division, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India; Dr M S Swaminathan, chairman, Research Foundation and chairman, REACH also participated in the event.