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Department of Health and Family Welfare observed ‘World TB Day’ across Nagaland on Sunday by organising various activities on the theme “Yes! We can end TB.”
‘World TB Day’ is observed annually on March 24 to raise public awareness about the devastating health, social and economic consequences of TB and to set up efforts to end the global TB epidemic. The day is observed to commemorate the discovery of bacterium that causes TB by Dr. Robert Koch in the year 18182.
Kohima: The office of the chief medical officer (CMO) of Kohima observed ‘World TB Day’ at NHAK auditorium.
Speaking on the significance of the day, the district tuberculosis officer (DTO), Dr. Chibenthung Kithan, stated that despite significant progress over the last decades, TB remains the world’s deadliest infectious killer. He has termed poverty, inequity, mal nutrition, comorbidities, discrimination and stigma as the major drivers of the TB epidemic.
He stated that the day is an opportunity to renew commitment, inspire and take action to end TB.
President of ARK Foundation, spoke on the role of NGO in response to TB elimination and urged not to discriminate or create stigma among the community or village. He encouraged sensitising and creating awareness on TB or give any kind of support needed by people living with TB.
TB-free village for the year 2023 namely Kiruphema Bawe, Phekerkriema Bawe and Seiyha Phesa were felicitated on the occasion.
James T Khulu Tikhir, SDO (Civil) of Kohima also spoke on the occasion.
Peren: The National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), Peren, observed ‘World TB Day’ at PTWWO hall in Peren town.
Speaking on the occasion, the CMO of Peren, Dr. Lanuakum Aier, briefed the TB status of Peren district and highlighted schemes like Nikshay Poshan Yojyana and Nikshay Mitras. He also shared awareness for early detection and elaborated about the signs and symptoms.
Japheth Woch, ADC of Peren, thanked the healthcare workers for their services to the society. He also encouraged on healthy lifestyle and motivated to make health a priority.
He further sought support from the participants to eliminate TB from the district.
Keyileuchule presented a song and mementos were presented to TB Mukt Panchayats.
Wokha: Wokha District TB Centre observed ‘World TB Day’ at Longsa village cultural hall with the ADC of Wokha, K Furhesie Nyuwi, as the guest speaker.
Speaking at the programme, the ADC urged the participants to encourage their friends and neighbours to get themselves tested at the TB centres to eradicate the disease. Besides, he also urged people affected by tuberculosis to avail free treatment.
He also lauded the initiatives of the department officials for taking up various preventives measures and awareness campaign to eliminate TB.
Dr. Akum Jamir, DTO, highlighted the significance of day. He added that the disease can be cured and prevented from spreading with proper treatment. He urged the community to spread awareness for availing treatment provided at District Hospital, Chukitong CHC, Bhandari CHC and Sanis CHC.
Senior lab technician, Myingthunglo Kikon, was felicitated on the occasion.
A total of nine villages namely Longsachung, Okheyan, Thaneyan, Koio, Rusanphen, Sankitong, Seleku, Bhandari village and Menkirang were declared TB-free villages.
Zunheboto: Zunheboto District Tuberculosis Centre observed ‘World TB Day’ at the office of the chief medical officer with the deputy commissioner, Rahul Bhanudas Mali, as the special guest.
Speaking on the occasion, the DC stated that 27% of the world’s TB case is in India topping the list followed by Singapore. With more 4000 cases of TB in Nagaland, he has sought the necessity for early intervention and detection to fight TB.
Dr. H Mlato Shikhu, DTO, highlighted the significance of the day and stated that the state is working towards the TB elimination by 2025-2030. He also informed that stated that two villages namely Tokiye and Ghathashi villages were declared TB-free.
Dr. K Akaho Sema, deputy CMO of Zunheboto, stated that the Government of India is trying to eliminate TB and malaria from India by 2025, five years before WHO target of 2030. He added that diagnostic support are available and provided free of cost in order to eliminate TB.
He shared that currently 22 patients are diagnosed with TB in the district.
Longleng: Longleng district observed ‘World TB Day’ at the conference hall of the chief medical officer (CMO) in Longleng town.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Temsusashi, DTO, briefed about the prime minister’s commitment to eliminate TB from India by the year 2025 by implementing a national strategic plan to eliminate TB. He also spoke on the 11 global diseases that are being observed around the world in which TB is also one of the diseases.
Delivering short speech, the EAC of Longleng, Vitolu Chishi, encouraged the medical officials to collect proper data and motivated everyone to join hands together to eliminate TB. He also gave away certificates and mementos to 19 TB Mukt Panchayat villages.
Tongang Phom, STS, spoke on early symptoms of TB, diagnosis, treatment, causes, prevention, TB vaccination, risk factors and complications and incentives received by the patients.
Testimony was shared by Lily, TB champion, where she encouraged everyone not to stigmatise TB patients. She attributed the love, encouragement and support received from her family and loved ones to get cure from the disease.
Mokokchung: ‘World TB Day’ in Mokokchung was observed in the conference hall of the chief medical officer with the deputy commissioner (DC) of Mokokchung, Thsuvisie Phoji, as the special guest.
Speaking at the programme, the DC mentioned about the treatment meted to TB patients in the olden time by ostracising from the community. He, however, stated that with the advancement in medical research and medicines, TB has become curable.
He reminded the responsibility of everyone to spread awareness on TB in their localities. He also congratulated Liroyim, Aokum, Changtongya Yimsen and Satsu villages for achieving TB-free villages and called upon to put more efforts to make more villages TB-free.
He further lauded the medical officers, healthcare workers and staff for working tirelessly to eradicate TB.
Two TB champions shared their testimony. The four TB free Villages were presented certificates and mementos.
The welcome address was delivered by Dr. Kibangkumba, CMO, and significance of the day was presented by Dr. R Toshimenla Jamir, district tuberculosis officer of Mokokchung.
Phek: NTEP Phek observed ‘World TB Day’ at Dr. Wethselo Memorial Hall, District Hospital, Phek, with the deputy commissioner (DC), John Tsulise Sangtam, as the guest speaker.
Speaking at the programme, the DC guest emphasised that TB is curable by taking proper and timely treatment and shared that strong determination is important for the treatment.
He also spoke on the importance of spreading awareness on TB elimination at the grassroots to achieve the goal. He urged the participants to come forward and support the TB patients and free the district from TB.
Delivering the keynote address, the superintendent of police, Phek, Dr. Pritpal Kaur Batra, affirmed that 100% free TB village could be achieved if the community leaders, village chairmen and societies come forward and support the patients to take timely and regular treatment.
Sede Rupreo, DPM NHM, highlighted on the objectives of Nikshay Mitra and shared that community can play a vital role in helping the patient by contributing in various forms. He informed that 40 TB patients are yet to get Nikshay Mitra and appealed the participants to come forward and avail the benefit of Nikshay Mitra.
Col. Chundawat Prashant Singh, commandant of 38 Assam Rifles, also shared the importance of knowoing the signs and symptoms of TB, staying healthy, regular checkup and maintain good immune system.
The DC gave away certificates to 34 TB Mukt Panchayat villages.