Nagaland University conducts a TB screening drive at Lumami and an NSS induction session at Kohima.
DIMAPUR — Nagaland University organised an awareness and screening programme on tuberculosis at its Lumami campus and conducted an orientation and induction programme for National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers at its Kohima campus on September 22.
Lumami: At the Lumami headquarters, the sensitisation and awareness programme on tuberculosis (TB), followed by screening of participants, was held at I Ihoshe Kinimi Hall under the aegis of the TB-Free India 100-Day Campaign 2026, relaunched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
According to an update, The programme focused on raising awareness about tuberculosis, its prevention, early detection, and the importance of timely screening and medical intervention.
Speaking as the resource person, District Programme Officer (DPO) of CD-II, Mokokchung, Dr. Toshimenla Jamir, said tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a significant global public health issue and was one of the oldest known infectious diseases, affecting millions annually.
According to Dr. Jamir, India accounts for one-fourth of the global TB burden, with more than 40% of India's population infected with tuberculosis. Of 1 crore new cases detected annually, 27 lakh were in India, while nearly 4 lakh people died every year in the country. Around 1,400 people died from tuberculosis every day across India. Dr. Jamir added that around 2.2 lakh children were affected by tuberculosis every year.
In terms of strategic vision, Dr. Jamir said India followed the “Detect, treat, prevent, and build” strategy to achieve the national goal of eliminating TB by 2030 through community participation, stigma-free primary healthcare services and the leadership of TB champions.
Dr. Jamir said TB could not be fought by the health system alone and called for everyone to join the fight. Community participation and the involvement of institutions in society were required to play a critical role in filling the gaps and thereby contribute to the national goal of eliminating TB by 2030.
Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Finance Officer (In charge), Nagaland University, Joy Das, said, "Universities have a responsibility not only to impart academic knowledge to students but also to create awareness about important social programmes to make society a better place.”
Das noted that while many people recognise the name TB, public understanding remains limited regarding its symptoms, preventive measures, and cures. Stressing that the greatest challenge of the disease is the social stigma and fear attached to it, Das called on students and scholars to use their credibility as educated members of society to discuss TB openly with friends, families, and communities.
The sensitisation session was followed by screening, during which 69 people were screened for TB.
Kohima: Meanwhile, the NSS units 1 and 2 of Nagaland University, Kohima Campus, organised the second-phase NSS orientation and induction programme on September 22 to familiarise students with the objectives, activities, values, and responsibilities associated with the NSS.
Held under the NSS motto, “Not me but you,” the programme highlighted the values of service, empathy, social responsibility, leadership, teamwork, and civic engagement. Students were introduced to the NSS as a student-orientated community service initiative connecting higher education with society through real-life community experiences.