ROLE OF COMMUNITY-BASED ADVOCACY, COMMUNICATION, AND SOCIAL MOBILIZATION IN TUBERCULOSIS PREVENTION: A REVIEW FROM MAHARASHTRA: How to Cite the Article: Anita Sudam Kale & Pandurang Shivram Patil (2020). Role of Community-Based Advocacy, Communication, and Social Mobilization in Tuberculosis Prevention: A Review from Maharashtra. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research & Reviews, Vol.2020, no1, pp. 7-12.

Anita Sudam Kale & Dr. Pandurang Shivram Patil

Authors

Anita Sudam Kale & Dr. Pandurang Shivram Patil

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of India's most significant public health challenges despite the availability of effective diagnostic and treatment services. Maharashtra, one of the states with a high TB burden, has implemented several community-based interventions under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP). Advocacy, Communication, and Social Mobilization (ACSM) has emerged as a key strategy for increasing public awareness, reducing stigma, promoting early diagnosis, improving treatment adherence, and encouraging community participation in TB prevention and control. The present paper reviews the role of community-based ACSM activities in strengthening TB prevention efforts in Maharashtra from a social work perspective. Using secondary data
collected from government reports, WHO publications, peer-reviewed journals, and policy documents, the study examines the contribution of community engagement, health education, behavioural change communication, and intersectoral collaboration in TB prevention. The review indicates that community participation significantly enhances awareness, improves health-seeking behaviour, supports treatment adherence, and reduces discrimination against TB patients. The paper concludes that strengthening ACSM interventions through active community involvement and professional social work practice can substantially contribute to achieving India's goal of TB elimination.