Initiatives/ Scheme Kasanoi Erappila Thittam (TN-KET) Context:Tuberculosis death rates showed a sustained decline in six districts of Tamil Nadu following the roll-out of the State's Kasanoi Erappi-la Thittam (TN-KET), a new study published in Global Health Action has found. "Beyond the six districts, the overall impact of TN-KET also reflected across the rest of the State, with a nearly 2.5% reduction in TB deaths after its implementation. Kasanoi Erappila Thittam (TN-KET) TN-KET is a state-level TB mortality reduction initiative launched by Tamil Nadu in 2022, focused on early detection and differentiated care for severe TB cases. Tamil Nadu has become the first state in India to include a predictive system for tuberculosis (TB) mortality in its TB eradication programme. The forecasting model was created by the Indian Council of Medical Research’s National Institute of Epidemiology (ICMR-NIE). The predictive model has been incorporated into Tamil Nadu’s TB SeWA platform and will operate under the Tamil Nadu Kasanoi Erappila Thittam (TN-KET) patient care initiative. Key Features: Paper-Based Triage Tool: Assesses 5 quick parameters (BMI, oxygen level, respiratory rate, leg swelling, ability to stand) to classify patients as “severely ill.” Fast-Track Care: 98% of identified severe cases admitted within 7 days. Severe TB Web App: Calculates mortality risk and helps guide urgent interventions. Simplified Assessment: No lab needed and saves 6–7 days over older 16-parameter tools. Differentiated Care Model: Offers customized treatment based on age, BMI, severity, and comorbidities. Key Achievements & Impact DataReduction in Early Deaths: Statewide early TB deaths saw a 20% decline within just two quarters of the project's execution. District-Level Progress: By 2024, nearly two-thirds of Tamil Nadu's districts documented a 20% to 30% reduction in overall TB mortality. High Screening Efficiency: In 2024, 98% of adult TB patients were successfully triaged at diagnosis, well exceeding the state's initial…
