New Delhi: FUJIFILM India, a leading imaging company, has commenced a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative for Tuberculosis (TB) screening at Valsad district in Gujarat.

The initiative, spanning 10 months and focusing on two districts, Banaskantha and Valsad, aims to reach underprivileged communities in industrial areas, mining belts, villages and semi-rural regions where TB remains a health concern. The campaign aligns with the government's 'TB Harega Desh Jeetega' effort.

The Valsad TB Screening Mobile Vehicle was flagged off by the District Collector of Valsad, Ms Kshipra S Agre and Valsad District Development Officer, Manish Gurwani, from the District Collectorate.

According to the India TB Report 2023, the country reported an all-time high of 24.2 lakh TB cases in 2022, emphasizing the urgency of strengthening awareness and prevention efforts.

The initiative, part of FUJIFILM India's #WhereInnovationMeetsCare campaign, marks the third phase of their ongoing tuberculosis screening program. Leveraging innovative methods such as Human Resource Allocation (HRA)-based screening and chest X-rays with Fujifilm's FDR-Xair technology, the program aims for targeted TB screening in the impoverished district. The FDR Xair is a lightweight handheld X-ray system with AI capabilities for immediate on-the-spot results.

Abhi Shekhar Singh, Vertical Head, Corporate Communications & CSR, highlighted the CSR activity's alignment with FUJIFILM's Sustainable Value Plan 2030, aiming to contribute to a sustainable society. The initiative targets over 20,000 screenings and approximately 8,000 NAT tests.

To build community mobilisation and awareness, the campaign includes public meetings, awareness campaigns, distribution of informational brochures, and engagement with local influencers. Community leaders will actively advocate for TB screening, emphasizing the importance of early detection. Mobile units equipped with ambulances will reach inaccessible areas effectively.