DIMAPUR — To emphasise tuberculosis (TB) prevention and address new developments in tuberculosis preventive therapy (TPT), particularly with the introduction of newer short-course treatments, the ARK Foundation, through its Advocacy, Communication, and Social Mobilisation (ACSM) initiative conducted a programme on TPT.
The event, supported by the District TB Centre (DTC), Kohima, and the IMPAACT4TB Project, took place on Tuesday at the Muskan Youth Centre-FPAI, Kohima, according to a press release.
The programme was attended by representatives from partner NGOs in Kohima and officials from the DTC and state TB cell.
Ketho Angami of the ARK Foundation, speaking on the occasion, emphasised the importance of TB prevention through vaccines, infection control, proper nutrition, and TPT, highlighting their potential to reduce the burden of active TB in the state.
He stated that preventing TB infection and halting its progression from infection to disease are crucial for achieving the reduction in TB incidence envisioned by the End TB Strategy.
Ketho emphasised the importance of a coordinated effort among participants to address LTBI notification and initiate TPT. He urged all NGOs to support cross-referral processes and to disseminate information about the concept, significance, and benefits of TPT during their outreach activities.
Dr. Vezokholu Theyo from the State TB Office discussed TB in its latent form, known as latent TB infection (LTBI), which occurs among individuals exposed to active drug-sensitive TB through shared air.
He stated that LTBI can now be treated with a shorter course regimen using 3HP and 1HP, a provision available under India’s National TB Elimination Program (NTEP). He also highlighted the difference between LTBI and active TB, explaining that LTBI is inactive, non-infectious, and presents no symptoms of TB disease.
She highlighted some key facts, noting that India has the highest estimated burden of tuberculosis infection (TBI) globally. Nearly 35–40 crore people in India are estimated to have TBI, with 28 lakh (18–36 lakh) developing tuberculosis (TB) disease annually.
She explained that 5–10% of those infected will develop TB disease over their lifetime, typically within the first two years after initial infection. The risk of developing TB disease after infection depends on various factors, including immunological status.
She noted that the risk of developing TB is over 25 times higher among contacts of bacteriologically confirmed TB patients compared to the general population, 16–21 times higher in cases of HIV co-infection, and 3–4 times higher in individuals with other immune-compromised conditions such as diabetes or cancer.
Dr. Collins Son, a consultant with the World Health Organisation (WHO), discussed various aspects of TPT regimens. He highlighted significant reductions in TPT treatment durations and the introduction of new medications within the state.
Sono highlighted the rationale for the importance of TPT, stating that 75% of individuals exposed to TB develop the disease within one year and 97% within two years. However, with TPT, the risk of developing TB disease decreases by 60% and by up to 90% among PLHIV.
He further explained that while both TPT and ART independently reduce the risk of developing active TB, their combined use significantly amplifies this effect. Studies have shown that the combined use of TPT and ART can eliminate up to 97% of the risk among PLHIV.
He outlined the procedures for ruling out active TB among household contacts using the 4S screening and CY-TB test, as well as the various regimens available under the NTEP’s provisions. These regimens, Sono stated, include 3HP and 1HP.