The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched JOSH (Joint Squad for Health) Teams, a new initiative to involve young people directly in India’s fight against tuberculosis. The Union Health Minister announced the programme at a national event in New Delhi on 8 October 2026. The scheme aims to create community-level volunteers drawn from NCC cadets, MY Bharat volunteers and other youth networks to work on TB prevention, early detection, testing and reducing stigma around the disease.
Key facts
- JOSH Teams launched in 55 districts across 11 States and Union Territories in the first phase, with nationwide expansion planned
- 67,933 panchayats across 697 districts recognised as TB Mukt (TB-free) in 2026
- India has recorded a 21 per cent decline in TB incidence compared to the global decline of 12 per cent
- India’s TB treatment coverage has risen to 92 per cent, higher than global treatment coverage of 78 per cent
- New digital tools launched: JOSH Flipbook, JOSH Brochure, and Khushi Avatar (e-Sangini initiative)
- Teams will operate at district and block levels with digital monitoring mechanisms
- Initiative involves collaboration between Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and Ministry of Defence
What JOSH Teams will do
JOSH Teams consist of trained youth volunteers who will work directly with communities to identify people with TB symptoms, encourage testing and early diagnosis, support patients in adhering to treatment, and address the social stigma surrounding the disease. The teams will focus on vulnerable populations often missed by formal health systems and will facilitate conversations within communities to build trust and address misconceptions about tuberculosis.
The volunteers will also promote healthy behaviours including hygiene, nutrition and awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco and substance use. A key component of their work will be active case finding, meaning they will search out individuals who may be living with TB without knowing it and help connect them to testing and treatment services.
How it connects to TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan
The TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (TB-Free India Mission) is India’s national tuberculosis elimination programme. JOSH Teams represent a shift in the approach from a government-led health programme to a people’s movement. The initiative emphasises that eliminating TB cannot be achieved by government interventions alone and requires active participation from communities, elected representatives, frontline workers and young people. The recognition of 67,933 panchayats as TB Mukt demonstrates the role of local governance in the campaign.
Technology and tools launched
The government has released new digital resources to support JOSH Teams and community engagement. The JOSH Flipbook and JOSH Brochure provide standardised materials for awareness and outreach. Khushi Avatar is an e-Sangini service that provides information on TB symptoms and treatment in multiple Indian languages, answers common questions about the disease and sends medication reminders to patients. These tools enable real-time reporting by volunteers and strengthen monitoring of the campaign.
India’s TB progress and global context
India has made significant gains in its TB response. The country’s TB incidence has declined by 21 per cent according to the latest World Health Organisation report, outpacing the global decline of 12 per cent. Treatment coverage in India stands at 92 per cent, well above the global average of 78 per cent. These achievements reflect intensified efforts under the national TB programme. However, officials have cautioned that complacency must be avoided and momentum must be sustained to achieve TB elimination by 2030.
What this means for you
Citizens in the 55 initial districts covered by JOSH Teams will encounter trained youth volunteers in their communities who can provide information about TB symptoms, encourage testing if symptoms are present, and offer support during treatment. If you or a family member has symptoms like persistent cough, fever or chest pain, these volunteers can help connect you to testing facilities. The initiative also aims to reduce social stigma, meaning people with TB should face less discrimination when seeking care. The new Khushi Avatar service is accessible to anyone seeking information about TB symptoms and treatment options.
What happens next
JOSH Teams will progressively expand their grassroots presence beyond the initial 11 states to cover more districts nationwide. The teams will operate at district and block levels, supported by digital mechanisms for monitoring and implementation. The government plans to continue scaling up the initiative as part of its broader TB elimination agenda.