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ADC Wokha along with the Deputy CMO and other members of District TB Forum after the meeting on August 3.[/caption]
Dimapur, Aug. 3 (EMN): Encouraged by the decline in new cases of Tuberculosis (TB), Wokha district has set a target to declare TB-free in two blocks by 2020. This was disclosed during a meeting of the District TB Forum held on August 3 in the conference hall of the Deputy Commissioner, Wokha.
Addressing the members, Dr. Benchilo Ngullie, DTO Wokha, stated that the objectives of TB Forum was to supplement government initiatives to enforce TB patient- friendly law, policy and programmes. It also aims at engaging in evidence base advocacy with the stakeholders to expand services.
She highlighted that there was a decline in TB cases across the district due to the availability of free medicines and testing centres in the health units. The DTO informed that ongoing activities related to TB were active case findings in Chukitong area and surveys conducted in Wozhuro area.
She stated that community participation is vital to detect TB patients and provide them with free treatment.
The meeting was chaired by K Mathung Tsanglao, ADC Wokha, who stressed on the importance of creating awareness on TB in the form of addressing issues of social stigma attached to TB patients, the availability of incentives for TB patients and coming out with pamphlets in vernacular language to educate people in rural areas.
He further stated that the district should focus on achieving the target of declaring two blocks as TB free by 2020.
NGOs and civil society members present in the meeting said that street plays and wall paintings were effective in creating awareness and urged members to contribute ideas for such projects.
Some of the cured TB patients shared their personal experiences on social stigma related with the disease and their efforts in spreading awareness among suspected TB patients. The meeting was attended by Deputy CMO, DPO, cured TB patients, leaders of civil societies and NGOs.