In Kohima, on October 18, the State TB Forum Nagaland convened to advance efforts in combating tuberculosis (TB), aligning with India’s commitment to eradicate the disease by 2025, surpassing the Global Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) deadline. The meeting, chaired by Anoop Khinchi, Commissioner and Secretary for Health & Family Welfare in Nagaland, emphasized collaborative action to meet these ambitious goals.
A crucial part of the discussion centered on enhancing presumptive TB testing through the decentralization of health and wellness centers. The forum also addressed key initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, and the strategies for advocacy communication and social mobilization, along with introducing a shorter TB Preventive Therapy (TPT) regimen.
Dr. Vezokholu Theyo, the State TB Officer under the National TB Elimination Program (NTEP), highlighted the forum’s objectives, stressing the importance of engaging policymakers, reducing stigma, ensuring patients’ rights and dignities, and boosting awareness about government schemes available for TB patients. Dr. Theyo reassured that there is no shortage of TB drugs in Nagaland, recalling the 2018 launch of the TB Free India Campaign by the Prime Minister, which aims for a patient-centric approach for TB eradication.
IEC Officer Thungchanbeni M. Humtsoe reported on recent actions, noting that 78 villages were declared TB-free on World TB Day 2024. Awareness initiatives involving religious leaders have been widespread across almost all districts, and regular participation by district NTEP staff at Village Health and Nutrition Days (VHND) ensures ongoing screening and education efforts.
Moreover, community support through the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan was detailed, with 347 individual donors, 14 NGOs, and numerous other stakeholders, including corporates and elected representatives, contributing as Ni-kshay Mitras to this cause. The meeting concluded with appreciation expressed by Dr. Apichetla Amer, Assistant Programme Officer, NTEP, cementing a collective resolve against TB in Nagaland.
Original Story https://www.morungexpress.com/nagaland-tb-forum-discusses-scaling-up-presumptive-tb-testing
Category : Nagaland
Tags:
