Heartwarming Initiative: Meghalaya Rural Bank Champions TB Awareness Through Innovative Passbooks – Northeast News
Meghalaya Rural Bank Launches TB Awareness Initiative via Passbooks
Shillong: To combat Tuberculosis (TB) in rural Meghalaya, the Meghalaya Rural Bank (MRB) has initiated a campaign to spread awareness through passbooks. The bank is displaying TB awareness messages in English, Garo, and Khasi languages on over 10,000 passbooks, distributed across all branches in the state. This effort aligns with the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme and aims to dispel the social stigma surrounding TB.
The announcement was made by MRB Chairman Ashish Yadav during a State Health Society event on July 13, titled “CSR Engagement Initiative – For Dissemination of TB Messages.” Yadav emphasized the role of this initiative in making Meghalaya and eventually India TB-free.
The initiative was praised by State TB Officer Dr. M Syiemlieh, who recognized the passbooks as invaluable educational tools due to their visuals and essential information on TB symptoms. She encouraged beneficiaries to disseminate TB information within their communities.
Dr. Syiemlieh provided an update on the TB situation in Meghalaya, noting that from January to June 2024, 2,305 cases were registered. Compared to 4,971 cases notified in 2023, this highlights the ongoing challenge. She emphasized the significance of a multi-sectoral approach, noting that various sectors can accelerate TB awareness and mitigation efforts. Since the initiative’s launch until June 2024, 6,666 nutritional baskets have been distributed, with 2,203 TB patients receiving support.
The event saw attendance from health officials, including state and district TB officers, MRB officials, World Health Organisation representatives, and passbook holder beneficiaries. Dr. Syiemlieh also called upon individuals to step forward as donors or Nikshay Mitras to support TB patients across the state, reinforcing the collaborative effort needed to eliminate TB in Meghalaya.
Original Story https://nenews.in/meghalaya/meghalaya-rural-bank-raises-awareness-for-tb-through-passbooks/11716/
Category : Meghalaya,Meghalaya Rural Bank,Tuberculosis
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