On World Tuberculosis Day, Nagaland Focuses on Eradication Efforts
March 24 marked World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, observed across Nagaland with the theme “Yes, We Can End TB! Commit, Invest, Deliver.” The theme emphasizes the urgent need for collective action in ending the global TB epidemic. Various districts in the state came together to raise awareness about TB, encourage community participation, and recognize the achievements of TB-free villages.
In Wokha, a call was made for collective action to end TB. Speaking at a gathering, Deputy Commissioner Vineet Kumar stressed that TB is a curable disease, but it can be devastating if left untreated. He commended the village councils for their cooperation in the TB elimination program and urged those who have achieved Bronze status to aim for Silver and Gold. Kumar emphasized the importance of early detection and treatment, highlighting the government’s commitment to providing six months of nutritional aid to TB patients. He also emphasized the need for community participation, urging people to avoid discrimination against patients.
In Mokokchung, the District Tuberculosis Centre organized an event to raise awareness about TB and encourage communities to unite against the disease. Dr. R. Toshimenla Jamir, District Tuberculosis Officer, emphasized the importance of India’s mission to eliminate TB by 2025, five years ahead of the global target. She underlined the significance of the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP) and government initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and the Nikshay Mitra program in accelerating the fight against TB. Dr. Jamir appealed to the public to undergo timely treatment and regular screenings for early detection and prevention of TB.
The event featured a testimonial from a cured TB patient, who shared his personal experience of battling the disease and recovering through treatment. The program also recognized the contributions of TB Mukt Panchayats, with 34 villages identified as TB-Free/TB Mukt Panchayats for 2024, and honored for their successful TB eradication efforts. Notably, six villages in Mokokchung achieved Silver status, including Bhandari, Longsachung, Okheyan, Sankiton, Selukvu, and Mekirang.
In Dimapur, the World Tuberculosis Day cum DAPCC and Vertical Programs Meeting emphasized the government’s commitment to eradicating TB in the region. Deputy Commissioner Dr. Tinojungshi Chang reaffirmed the government’s support for efforts in combating the disease, highlighting the role of 19 villages as key touchpoints in extending TB awareness and prevention measures to other communities. Dr. Chang urged the Village Development Boards (VDBs) and Village Councils to actively participate in the fight against TB by ensuring awareness, early detection, and access to treatment.
The importance of community participation and institutional involvement in filling the gaps and achieving the national goal of eliminating TB was stressed throughout the events. Speakers also emphasized the need to eliminate stigma and discrimination surrounding TB, urging people to support affected individuals openly. The government’s provision of free medicines and financial support for TB patients was also highlighted, encouraging local leaders to take advantage of these resources to strengthen the healthcare response in rural areas.
The World TB Day events in Nagaland sent a strong message of determination and collective action in the fight against TB. With increased collaboration between government agencies and community leaders, the initiative aims to bring TB under control and eventually eliminate it.
Original Source: https://www.morungexpress.com/yes-we-can-end-tb-nagaland-joins-global-fight
Category : Nagaland
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Publish Date: 2025-03-24 21:20:00
