Corporates join WEF-CII in drive against tuberculosis

New Delhi: The World Economic Forum's (WEF) Global Health Initiative along with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has launched a joint initiative to combat tuberculosis. Companies such as Aditya Birla group of companies, Larsen & Toubro, Lupin Ltd, Modicare Foundation, Novartis India, Reliance Industries, Tata Steel and Triveni Sugar will join the movement.

The campaign, which will be called the the new Business Alliance to stop TB and the group will use public and private resources to raise awareness about the disease, increase testing and improve treatment. The alliance companies will be implementing the revised national TB control programme for their workers and their families in collaboration with the Government. In total these companies cover a population of 3.5 million and have publicly committed to control TB in India.

"At The World Economic Forum's Global Health Initiative, we are delighted to see Indian businesses taking the lead on TB. Everyone recognises the business sector can play a key role in stopping diseases like TB. Business can bring their skills and resources to bear against the unnecessary loss and suffering of TB. TB kills two million people each year. It's a tragedy that affects individuals, families, communities, business and national economies, and it's a tragedy that can be stopped," said Dr Kate Taylor, Director of the World Economic Forum's Global Health Initiative.