Dimapur, April 3 (MExN): The HIV/TB co-ordination meeting was conducted on March 30, 2011 at the Chief Medical Officer’s chamber, Kiphire. The meeting was chaired by the Chief Medical Officer. He welcomed all the representatives of ICTCs, TB, NGOs, DAPCU and medical officers of Kiphire District.
A press note issued by Pezanguno Celine Secü, Media Officer, CMO office Kiphire informed that the CMO highlighted on the monthly reports of HIV/TB cross-referrals, saying that their performances are very poor, and that it needs much to improve. “It is a known fact, that most HIV positive cases are susceptible to TB infection. Therefore, the counsellors should work hard in identifying and referring either of the cases for blood testing. They also need to be active and sincere in taking up their responsibility in motivating people to come forward for HIV/TB testing at ICTCs and they should be able to bring at least three to four positive clients in a month,” he said.
The note also mentioned that the meeting was called especially to strengthen the linkages of services in the district. The District Tuberculosis Officer stated that, from ICTC all the positive clients have been referred for TB testing whereas no cases of TB have been found referred to ICTC. The fact is that, TB positive cases are also referred to ICTC for HIV testing but the clients do not reach it but loses on the way. The following points were discussed: All the TB positive cases should be referred to ICTC for pre-test counselling for availing of both the services to the clients and also to avoid loss of clients, Cross- referral between TB and HIV should be 100%, TB positive code will be used for HIV testing. The counsellor in this matter will maintain strict confidentiality, mobile ICTC should identify the hot spots and intervene it with proper strategic planning in order to produce quality results, three months performances of the counsellors of ICTC, DIC and Mobile ICTC will be observed and reviewed during the next quarterly meeting.
A press note issued by Pezanguno Celine Secü, Media Officer, CMO office Kiphire informed that the CMO highlighted on the monthly reports of HIV/TB cross-referrals, saying that their performances are very poor, and that it needs much to improve. “It is a known fact, that most HIV positive cases are susceptible to TB infection. Therefore, the counsellors should work hard in identifying and referring either of the cases for blood testing. They also need to be active and sincere in taking up their responsibility in motivating people to come forward for HIV/TB testing at ICTCs and they should be able to bring at least three to four positive clients in a month,” he said.
The note also mentioned that the meeting was called especially to strengthen the linkages of services in the district. The District Tuberculosis Officer stated that, from ICTC all the positive clients have been referred for TB testing whereas no cases of TB have been found referred to ICTC. The fact is that, TB positive cases are also referred to ICTC for HIV testing but the clients do not reach it but loses on the way. The following points were discussed: All the TB positive cases should be referred to ICTC for pre-test counselling for availing of both the services to the clients and also to avoid loss of clients, Cross- referral between TB and HIV should be 100%, TB positive code will be used for HIV testing. The counsellor in this matter will maintain strict confidentiality, mobile ICTC should identify the hot spots and intervene it with proper strategic planning in order to produce quality results, three months performances of the counsellors of ICTC, DIC and Mobile ICTC will be observed and reviewed during the next quarterly meeting.
