Browse Innovations
Community Radio-Led TB Awareness & Behavior Change (CR-TB ABC) Model
For the first time, the Community Radio-Led TB Awareness and Behavior Change Model (CR-TB ABC), developed by SMART, places Jan Bhagidari at the core of TB elimination efforts. This model transforms Community Radio from a passive information channel into an active catalyst for behavior change. CR-TB ABC fosters co-creation by integrating local knowledge, survivor voices, and government interventions into a participatory framework that drives early detection, stigma reduction, treatment adherence, and community-led support for TB patients.Key components of the model include:Leveraging CRS2019 trusted local networks to engage ASHAs, CHOs, and ANMs.Hyper-local storytelling to connect with the community.Real-Time Impact Tracking, monitoring listener engagement, screenings, Ni-kshay registrations, and treatment adherence.Engaging PRIs, MLAs, Ni-kshay Mitras, and TB survivors.Innovative outreach through mobile radio vans, door-to-door campaigns, nukkad nataks, and survivor-led dialogues.Two-Way Learning, where State TB Officers train community broadcasters for accurate messaging, and CRS provide feedback on ground realities.Multi-Platform Amplification, engaging local and social media for broader reach.Building on the success of previous community radio-led TB action in 48 high-burden districts across seven states (Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar), which resulted in 135,436 screenings through 57 community radio stations with support from The Union and the Gates Foundation, SMART launched the CR-TB ABC model on December 7, alongside the 100-Day TB Elimination Campaign.This initiative is now making an impact across 34 high-burden TB districts in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh through 45 community radio stations. In a short time, it has trained over 50 reporters, reached 2,000 villages, aired 300+ interviews with health officials, mobilized 14,000+ individuals for TB testing, facilitated 3,000+ tests, and generated over 300 articles in local media
Drone-Enabled TB Sample Transport and Medicine Delivery
Redwing Labs is revolutionizing healthcare logistics by leveraging drone technology to improve TB diagnosis and treatment access in remote and underserved regions. Our innovation focuses on two critical aspects: timely specimen transport and efficient medicine delivery. By deploying drones, we significantly reduce the turnaround time for TB sample collection and diagnosis, ensuring rapid detection and timely treatment initiation.Our drones are equipped to transport diagnostic samples from rural health facilities to centralized laboratories, eliminating logistical barriers and enhancing the accuracy of TB detection. Additionally, we support last-mile medicine delivery, ensuring that patients receive essential TB drugs without delays. This approach not only improves patient outcomes but also strengthens the overall healthcare supply chain.Our solution is integrated with a real-time tracking system that enables stakeholders to monitor logistics, optimize delivery routes, and ensure regulatory compliance. By reducing dependency on conventional road transport, we address challenges posed by difficult terrain, seasonal disruptions, and infrastructure gaps.Through collaborations with government agencies, public health organizations, and research institutions, we have validated our approach in multiple pilot projects. Our system is now ready for broader deployment to strengthen TB programs at scale, enhancing accessibility, affordability, and efficiency in TB care.
SAKSHAM (Stimulating Advanced Knowledge for Sustainable Health Management)
SAKSHAM is a digital learning initiative of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India. It is developed by National Institute of Health and Family Welfare , New Delhi. It is dedicated and unified platform for providing online trainings to all health professionals in the country for their capacity building. Currently portal is hosting 308 public health courses and 335 clinical courses. These courses modules are used by more than 50,000 health professionals in the country. SAKSHAM is integrated with Training Management Information System through which more than 5 lakhs health professionals data is captured which are trained through physical trainings across the country. For more utility, SAKSHAM mobile application has also been developed and currently available in public domain. seeing the importance of this initiative, MoHFW has showcased SAKSHAM in all Health Working Group Meetings under G-20 presidency of India. India has offered SAKSHAM as Digital Public Good for capacity building of health professionals in Indo-Pacific Countries under its QUAD presidency. Digital Learning Media Lab has also been established at NIHFW for inhouse content development for SAKSHAM portal. Experts can use this media lab for recording of their online training modules.SAKSHAM is an important digital health initiative which is currently used by medical students, health professionals and general public for awareness, education and capacity building.
Breaking the Silence: Citizen Dialogues on TB Stigma Through Applied Theatre
We propose using participatory applied theatre methods, led by the TB Survivors Network, as a transformative approach to eliminate TB stigma. Methods such as invisible theatre, image theatre, and forum theatre will be used to spark dialogue on TB stigma in various community settings, including hospitals, schools, and workplaces. The initiative will be rolled out in high-burden states where TB Survivors Networks are active, following a three-phase approach:Capacity building of TB survivor networks on applied theatre techniques.Applied theatre interventions in diverse community settings.Evaluation and development of community engagement models for TB stigma elimination.Applied theatre doesn2019t require professional artists or large resources; with minimal training and support, it can be institutionalized through existing networks. The methods focus on embodied practice, empathy, and creating safe spaces for reflection and learning. These strategies aim to:Generate dialogue on TB stigma.Facilitate collective understanding of social barriers to TB care.Empower communities to take action against TB inequities.Promote changes in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors towards accessing TB care.
A Cutting-Edge AI-Powered Screening Software Solution to spot out Multi -Chest Complications and Osteoporosis
Diagno Intelligent Systems has developed a groundbreaking AI-powered Chest X-ray Tool, iOsteoporos Screen, designed to detect osteoporosis and fracture risk in the hip and spine. This tool is currently undergoing clinical validation. Furthermore, the development of a novel AI-powered chest X-ray tool, named the Smart CXRay Screen, is proposed to identify multi-chest complications and osteoporosis. This tool was built from the ground up using the extensive Chest X-ray 14 dataset (provided by the National Institutes of Health, NIH), which was labeled by radiologists and made publicly available.The deep learning networks employed in the development include EfficientNetB3, EfficientNetB0, and InceptionV3. Additionally, a dataset of chest X-rays was collected and labeled with T-scores of hip and spine bone mineral density using a DXA bone densitometer to assess osteoporosis. The deep learning model that achieved the best performance demonstrated the highest accuracy in predicting tuberculosis (TB) and other chest-related ailments, including osteoporosis.Our proof of concept indicated that the AI-powered tool can evaluate routine chest X-rays from patients in the risk group, accurately predicting TB, 13 other chest complications, and osteoporosis, with an average area under the curve (AUC) of 0.805. However, further training, validation, and testing on additional datasets are still required to enhance its performance.
AI Enabled TB CAD Software
AI Enabled TB CAD Software
Novel Transport Solution To Deter Cold Chain In Sputum Samples Transportation
Rapid and accurate diagnosis of tuberculosis is essential for effective global control strategies, especially in India, where a structured network of hierarchical diagnostic laboratories has been established in alignment with the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program 2021. Under this framework, samples requiring further testing are sent to linked reference labs for further molecular and phenotypic testing, including line probe assays and liquid cultures. Currently, sputum samples are transported under cold chain, using gel packs within thermocol boxes to minimize the growth of contaminants. This transportation is facilitated by a government-designated agency. However, several practical challenges have arisen, including delays in transportation and failures to maintain the appropriate temperature. Such conditions can obscure the growth of acid-fast bacilli (AFB), resulting in false results and contamination issues. Additionally, the direct handling of sputum samples can be unpleasant, creating discomfort for laboratory staff due to odor.
To address these challenges, we propose a two-pronged strategy:
- Removing the need for cold chain by introducing a Novel Transport Solution: We have developed an innovative, cost-effective solution for the transportation of sputum samples that eliminates the need for a cold chain. Our solution has been granted a patent by the Government of India (Patent No. 422600, Application No. 201611034998, Filing Date: 13.10.2016) and has been successfully tested for staining, liquid culture, and molecular methods.
- Enhanced Sample Transportation for reducing transportation turn around time: We recommend implementing a rapid sample transportation model similar to the Patient Provider Support Agency (PPSA), which currently facilitates the efficient transport of sputum samples from private clinics to district laboratories. We propose extending this model for the transportation of samples from district labs to reference labs to further streamline the diagnostic process. This approach aims to improve the reliability and efficiency of tuberculosis diagnostics, ultimately supporting better patient outcomes and advancing public health efforts.
Autoscope-FDA TB: Automated AI assisted microscopy for live TB bacilli detection in sputum.
Autostain and Autoscope systems have been developed to enhance TB treatment monitoring in resource-limited settings. The Autostain system is an automated device for smear preparation and slide staining, using fluorescein diacetate (FDA) staining to detect viable Mycobacterium tuberculosis based on intracellular enzyme activity. By automating the staining process, Autostain improves reproducibility, reduces manual errors, and accelerates TB detection in microscopy-based workflows. It features automated reagent handling, minimized contamination risks, and a portable design, making it highly suitable for field applications. Moreover, its seamless integration with the Autoscope and AI-based TB detection systems further enhances diagnostic accuracy and efficiency.
The Autoscope is an AI-powered automated microscopy system designed to detect fluorescently labeled bacilli in clinical samples, such as sputum. It employs automated scanning and AI-assisted cell detection, significantly improving TB detection sensitivity and specificity. By integrating automated microscopy with AI-powered image analysis, the Autoscope delivers rapid, reliable TB diagnosis, reducing reliance on expert interpretation. Additionally, its integration with digital health systems enables real-time data reporting, patient tracking, and treatment monitoring, ensuring early intervention and better disease management.
Together, Autostain and Autoscope revolutionize TB diagnostics, especially in rural and resource-constrained settings. By leveraging automation, AI, and microscopy, these technologies enhance accessibility, efficiency, and accuracy, ultimately contributing to improved TB control and patient outcomes.
Saliva Colorimetric Diagnostic Tool for Real-Time Monitoring of TB Treatment Adherence and Side Effects
Current methods for monitoring adherence, such as self-reporting and pill counts, are often unreliable. A reliable, non-invasive, and point-of-care tool to assess adherence is urgently needed to improve treatment outcomes and reduce the global TB burden. A non-invasive, paper strip-based colorimetric diagnostic tool could revolutionize TB treatment by enabling instant detection of drug adherence and side effects using saliva samples. This innovative tool would provide real-time feedback on medication intake and potential toxicity, empowering healthcare providers and patients to ensure adherence, reduce relapse risk, and prevent drug resistance. With the design and fabrication of a user-friendly, portable paper strip, healthcare professionals can have rapid visual results to detect TB medication adherence and liver toxicity.
To develop a reliable and user-friendly paper strip, we will identify and validate specific biomarkers in saliva that correlate with TB medication adherence and liver toxicity. Sensitive and specific colorimetric reactions will be integrated onto the strip to provide rapid visual results. Rigorous clinical trials will evaluate the device's accuracy, reliability, and impact on patient adherence and treatment outcomes. Through rigorous clinical validation, we expect this tool to improve treatment outcomes, reduce the risk of drug resistance, enhance TB control programs, and ultimately reduce healthcare costs
