Poonam Sharma
Indira Gandhi National Tribal University
India
Title: Epidemiological studies on tuberculosis and ethnopharmacological methods of its control among tribals of Anuppur district, Madhya Pradesh, India
Biography
Biography: Poonam Sharma
Abstract
Currently, one third of the world population is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative organism of Tuberculosis (TB), and new cases are being reported every year. In 2013, World Health Organization (WHO) reported 9 million new cases of TB and 1.5 million deaths, worldwide. India is having the highest burden of TB in the world, accounting for nearly one third of all TB cases. WHO statistics showed the incidence of 2.1 million new TB cases in India, in 2013. Madhya Pradesh accounts for highest population (14.7%) of scheduled tribes (ST) among Indian states. According to the 2011 population census, 25.7% of the state population is ST. Anuppur district is among the least developed districts in the state. All tehseels of the Anuppur district are having significant number of ST population. The main ST populations in Amarkantak area of Anuppur district are Baiga, Gond, Panika, Kamars, Birhor, Bharias and Hill Korbas. Due to lack of awareness, illiteracy and poverty, sizable number of tribals are suffering from TB. The present paper focuses on the socio-economic, nutritional and health status of tribal population in Annupur district of MP. The possible reasons for TB prevalence and seasonal indices of TB have been explored. We have also explored the ethno-medicinal practices for healthcare management among the tribalpopulation, especially the use of medicinal plants for the control of TB.