J P Nadda Addresses stop TB Partnership Side-Event in Geneva

Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda, addressed a high-level side event on “Ministerial Perspectives on Lung Health Screening” during the 79th Session of the World Health Assembly in Geneva. The event titled, “Does Your Health System Struggle with Lung Health Screening?” was organized by the Stop TB Partnership and co-hosted by India, Japan, the Philippines and Zambia.

Addressing the distinguished gathering, Shri Nadda emphasized that timely screening, early diagnosis and equitable access to care lies at the heart of resilient and people-centred health systems. He noted that strengthening lung health screening is not merely about technology or diagnostic tools, but about saving lives, reducing suffering, preventing catastrophic health expenditure, protecting livelihoods and strengthening healthcare systems.

Calling for stronger global collaboration, Shri Nadda proposed key international priorities for advancing lung health. These include mainstreaming lung health within Universal Health Coverage frameworks, expanding affordable access to diagnostics, digital tools and screening technologies, strengthening primary healthcare systems for respiratory health, promoting innovation, domestic manufacturing and technology transfer, and ensuring sustainable financing for prevention and early detection of TB and other lung diseases.(UPDATED ON 21ST MAY 2026)