Date: May 21, 2025 Location: Gangtok, Sikkim ________________________________________ TB Mukt School Campaign 2025 Launched at West Point Senior Secondary School In a significant stride toward youth-led public health reform, the TB Mukt School Campaign 2025 was officially launched today, May 21, 2025, at West Point Senior Secondary School, Gangtok. This year’s campaign begins following a comprehensive training session held recently for School Health Ambassadors. The campaign, implemented by the District Tuberculosis Centre (DTC), Gangtok, is divided into three progressive phases aimed at creating TB-free educational institutions and instilling preventive health practices among students. ________________________________________ Phased Roll-Out of the Campaign: 1. Phase 1: Awareness Programs & Formation of TB Youth Forum 2. Phase 2: Online Verbal Screening Led by TB Youth Forum 3. Phase 3: Online Competitions Organized by TB Youth Forum ________________________________________ Phase 1 Launched Today at West Point SSS The first phase of the campaign kicked off today with a general awareness session delivered by Mr. Rosan Adhikari, District Public Private Mix Coordinator (DPPMC), followed by a session on preventive quality lifestyle by Mr. Nuraj Pradhan, District Programme Coordinator (DPC), DTC Gangtok. The objective of the Phase 1 program is to: • Promote healthy lifestyle habits among school students • Educate youth on tuberculosis (TB) prevention and early detection • Establish the TB Youth Forum in the school ________________________________________ Empowering Youth Through TB Youth Forum The TB Youth Forum, formed as part of the campaign, will work actively in the school environment to: • Create a Junk Food-Free Campus • Promote Regular Exercise and Physical Activity • Advocate for Adequate Sleep and Good Health Practices By embedding these habits in the daily lives of students, the initiative aims to build stronger immune systems in children—safeguarding them not only from TB but also from a range of lifestyle-related illnesses. Additionally, this focus on wellness is expected to enhance academic performance and personal development, contributing to students’ overall success. ________________________________________ A Vision for a TB-Free Generation Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Nuraj Pradhan emphasized, “Youth are the backbone of our society. Through this campaign, we aim not only to eliminate TB but also to empower students to take ownership of their health and future.” The campaign reflects Sikkim’s leadership in youth-led public health innovation and sets the tone for a broader cultural shift toward wellness and disease prevention in schools across the district.