Simon Teilia administering the TB Mukt Bharat pledge to the
officials of DIPR during an awareness programme on tuberculosis in Kohima on
Thursday.
- DIMAPUR — As part
of the ongoing ‘TB-free Nagaland’ campaign launched by the Directorate of
Health and Family Welfare under the National Tuberculosis Elimination
Programme, an awareness programme was held at the Directorate of Information
and Public Relations (DIPR) in Kohima on Thursday.
- The programme, which was attended by the officials and staff
of the department, concluded with a ‘TB Mukt Bharat’ pledge taking ceremony
administered by the joint director, Simon Teilia.
- A DIPR report stated that the initiative was aimed at not
only educating the public about the infectious nature of the disease and the
steps to prevent its spread but also combat the stigma associated with the
disease.
- A significant component of the campaign was on dispelling
myths and misconceptions about TB. It highlighted key preventive measures like
respiratory hygiene such as covering the mouth and nose while coughing or
sneezing, to avoid spitting in public places, proper sputum disposal and
maintaining well-ventilated living spaces.
- The campaign also emphasises the importance of completing
the full course of directly observed treatment, short-course (DOTS), reassuring
the public that TB patients are no longer infectious after two weeks of
treatment.
- It mentioned that a toll-free Ni-Kshay Helpline
(1800-11-6666) is available for individuals seeking information or support.
- The message aims to reassure the public and encourage compassionate
support for individuals undergoing treatment.
- It stated that cough is not the only symptom of TB but there
are other equally important signs including fever, chest pain, swelling in the
neck or armpits, sudden physical changes, sudden weight loss, cough with mucus,
blood in sputum and night sweats.
- It added that early detection is crucial for effective
treatment and preventing further spread of the disease.
