The Capacity Building Workshop, organized by DFCA and attended by 150 healthcare professionals and students, focused on the health impacts of air pollution and tuberculosis (TB). Dr. Surya Kant, Professor & Head of Respiratory Medicine at KGMU, highlighted how air pollution increases the risk of TB, pneumonia, COPD, and lung cancer, particularly affecting children, pregnant women, and newborns. He advised identifying indoor pollution sources like cooking fuels, incense sticks, pets, and passive smoking.

On TB, he emphasized India’s high burden, especially in Uttar Pradesh, advocating early diagnosis, dedicated ICU beds, and patient support through the National TB Elimination Program, including free treatment, nutritional aid, awareness campaigns, and Nikshay Portal tracking. Dr. Kant encouraged monthly TB screening camps and patient education, urging attendees to become “Vayu Mitras”, ambassadors for clean air and lung health and inspired them to use medical knowledge to combat TB nationwide.