Mission director, National Health Mission Dr Kevichusa Medikhru and others during the observance of World TB Day in Kohima on March 24. (Morung Photo)
State observes World TB Day
Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 24
The need to put a concerted to effort to eliminate TB from Nagaland was stressed during the observance of World TB Day here today under the theme “It’s time.”
“Together, let us all fight to eliminate TB from our community,” said Dr Kevichusa Medikhru, Mission director, National Health Mission (NHM) Nagaland while addressing the programme held at Rivenburgs Chapel Hall, Mission Compound, Kohima.
A concerted effort is needed to eliminate TB starting from community, health workers, politicians and involvement of everybody, he said.
3-4 decades back, he said TB was a dreaded disease where many people who suffered TB never survived.
“But we are living in a generation where TB can be controlled, TB can be easily diagnosed and TB can also be cured,” said Dr Medikhru.
Stating that TB is a major burden for the country, he said there were 4.60 lakh TB cases in India in 2016.
Informing that India has taken a strategic plan to eliminate TB from the country by 2025, he challenged each and every individual to work harder and give more efforts to make it happen.
‘It is time to say no to TB’
“It is time to say no to TB and eliminate TB once and for all, so that our children, grandchildren do not suffer from TB,” urged Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP) state programme officer Dr Tiasunup Pongener.
He stated that TB is curable and drugs are available in all the health units and also in the private sector.
He also urged the students gathered at the programme to be the ambassador of the noble cause by spreading awareness to the community and also partner with RNTCP to strengthen TB diagnostics and treatment and also stand together to fight against TB.
TB is preventable and curable
RNTCP assistant project officer Dr Apichetla Amer said “TB is preventable and curable.”
Dr Amer maintained that ending TB requires concerted action by all sectors of the society to provide the right services, support and a safe environment in the right place, at the right time.
“Everyone has a role to play in ending TB –individuals, communities, businesses, governments, societies, and everyone must be accountable,” she said.
Further, she said everyone with TB should have access to rapid diagnosis, treatment and care.
“This is a matter of social justice, fundamental to WHO’s goal of universal health coverage,” she added.
Stating that it is time to speak up and end stigma, she said, “This is an important time for the all policymakers, healthcare workers and the global community to renew our commitment to end TB.’
World TB Day is also a time to recognize achievements in TB prevention and control, and renew our commitment to ending this devastating disease, she added.
TB scenario in Nagaland
Even since its inception in December 2002, 22215 patients have been put under various categories of DOTS treatment (upto 3rd quarter 2010). The case detection rate was 89% (Target 70%) and success rate was 92% (Target 85%) in the 3rd quarter of 2010.
Nagaland has consistently been in the target zone for the last four years or more in terms of the two performance indicators.
With regard to infrastructural set up, Nagaland state has 43 Microscopy Centres including 11 district TB centres covering 11 districts fully equipped with binocular microscopes to conduct sputum examinations and subsequent supply of medicines, free of cost. Diagnosis and treatment of TB is free.
