Dimapur, March 23 (MExN): Every year World TB Day is observed on March 24, 2011 to reaffirm our commitment to TB Control activities. We have made great inroads in the control of tuberculosis. However we need to do more and more quickly so that the achievements gained so far are not lost and strive hard for achieving the goal of TB control and elimination. As we enter into the two year campaign of ‘On the move against Tuberculosis’, the goal is to inspire innovation in TB Research and care. The campaign is inspired by the ambitious new objectives and targets of the Global Plan to Stop TB 2011-2015: Transforming the Fight towards Elimination of Tuberculosis. The campaign which was launched by the Stop TB Partnership in October 2010 challenges us to look at the fight against TB in an entirely new way and that every step we take should be a step towards TB elimination.
This new plan, for the first time, identifies all the research gaps that need to be filled to bring rapid TB tests, faster treatment regimens and a fully effective vaccine to market. It also shows public health programmes how to drive universal access to TB care, including how to modernize diagnostic laboratories and adopt revolutionary TB tests that have recently become available TB programmes around the world save millions of lives every year, but we need to move faster to ensure that no one dies of TB in the 21st century. Recent research has brought us new rapid diagnostics, which are coming to market this year. More research will take us to the next critical step: a simple point-of-care test that can be used in any basic health care setting and requires little technical knowledge. Funders need to step up their contribution to TB research today to achieve zero TB deaths tomorrow.
A third of people with TB are not reached with accurate diagnosis and appropriate care. Civil society, all health care providers – including those in the private sector – and businesses need to team up to drive universal access to TB care. It is a goal that also requires modernizing laboratories, ensuring reliable access to high-quality drugs and taking action to mobilize additional resources.
We can reach the goals of the Global Plan to Stop TB 2011–2015 and push beyond them. By 2015, all people with MDR-TB should receive accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. By 2015, half as many people should die from HIV-associated TB. One hundred per cent of TB patients should be tested for HIV and 100% of people in HIV care services should be screened for TB. All people living with HIV should be receiving preventive treatment or anti-TB drugs as appropriate. The year 2011 is the time for a massive scale-up to realize universal access to TB/HIV services.
This year’s campaign will focus on individuals around the world who have found new ways to stop TB and can serve as an inspiration to others. As part of the celebration, The State TB Cell, Directorate of Health& Family Welfare, Nagaland Kohima is planning to organize a Sensitization Programme for the Teachers/Lecturers of various Schools and Colleges situated in Kohima town on the said date at Zonal Council Hall Kohima from 10:00hrs. Teachers can really influence the Student Community who in turn can play an active role in creating awareness in our Society. It is hoped that their co-operation and participation can go a long way in TB control and ultimately eliminating this disease.
DR. K.T.Lotha, State TB Officer RNTCP, Directorate of Health &Family Welfare Nagaland
with inputs from STOP TB Campaign
This new plan, for the first time, identifies all the research gaps that need to be filled to bring rapid TB tests, faster treatment regimens and a fully effective vaccine to market. It also shows public health programmes how to drive universal access to TB care, including how to modernize diagnostic laboratories and adopt revolutionary TB tests that have recently become available TB programmes around the world save millions of lives every year, but we need to move faster to ensure that no one dies of TB in the 21st century. Recent research has brought us new rapid diagnostics, which are coming to market this year. More research will take us to the next critical step: a simple point-of-care test that can be used in any basic health care setting and requires little technical knowledge. Funders need to step up their contribution to TB research today to achieve zero TB deaths tomorrow.
A third of people with TB are not reached with accurate diagnosis and appropriate care. Civil society, all health care providers – including those in the private sector – and businesses need to team up to drive universal access to TB care. It is a goal that also requires modernizing laboratories, ensuring reliable access to high-quality drugs and taking action to mobilize additional resources.
We can reach the goals of the Global Plan to Stop TB 2011–2015 and push beyond them. By 2015, all people with MDR-TB should receive accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. By 2015, half as many people should die from HIV-associated TB. One hundred per cent of TB patients should be tested for HIV and 100% of people in HIV care services should be screened for TB. All people living with HIV should be receiving preventive treatment or anti-TB drugs as appropriate. The year 2011 is the time for a massive scale-up to realize universal access to TB/HIV services.
This year’s campaign will focus on individuals around the world who have found new ways to stop TB and can serve as an inspiration to others. As part of the celebration, The State TB Cell, Directorate of Health& Family Welfare, Nagaland Kohima is planning to organize a Sensitization Programme for the Teachers/Lecturers of various Schools and Colleges situated in Kohima town on the said date at Zonal Council Hall Kohima from 10:00hrs. Teachers can really influence the Student Community who in turn can play an active role in creating awareness in our Society. It is hoped that their co-operation and participation can go a long way in TB control and ultimately eliminating this disease.
DR. K.T.Lotha, State TB Officer RNTCP, Directorate of Health &Family Welfare Nagaland
with inputs from STOP TB Campaign
