‘The clock is ticking’: Nagaland observes World TB Day

Dimapur, March 25 (MExN): Nagaland along with the rest of the world observed the tuberculosis (TB) day on March 24 “to raise public awareness about the devastating health, social and economic consequences of TB, and to step up efforts to end the global TB epidemic.” Various programmes were organised on the theme of World TB Day 2021 ‘The Clock is Ticking’.

Kohima: The National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) State TB Cell, Nagaland observed the day at Kohima District Jail.
The programme was chaired by Dr Robin Lotha, State TB Officer (NTEP). Thungdemo Mozhui, IG Prison in his speech encouraged the inmates to spread awareness on TB after they are released.

Dr Apichetla Amer, Assistant Programme Officer, spoke about the signs and symptoms of TB and the facilities available under NTEP. Dr Amer informed that there are 52 Designated Microscopy Centres and 10 CBNAAT machines for the purpose of diagnosing TB. She said that people with low immunity like HIV and diabetics are more prone to Tuberculosis. She stressed on the importance of uninterrupted completion of treatment otherwise it may lead to the development of Multi Drug Resistant TB.

Speaking on the theme, Dr Collins Z Sono, Medical Consultant WHO-NTEP remarked that the day was observed to recognize the achievements made in TB prevention and control activities and to renew commitment in eliminating this devastating disease
Vote of thanks was pronounced by Dr Swuduvelu Ngully, Medical Officer NTEP followed by distribution of gifts to jail inmates.

Mon: In Mon, the day was observed at Leangha village under Mon block. Dr Tinenlo James Katwa, DTO Mon, in his keynote address said that having the knowledge of the disease is the only weapon to get rid of the dreadful illness and one should know the truth and the facts about Tuberculosis.

He made known to the public about the symptoms of the disease and the institutions where to get treated, under the District. He briefed on the benefits of Nikshay Poshan Yojana which is a monthly financial assistance Scheme for TB patients.

Dr Shasinle Tep, DIO (UIP & RCH) and Dr Mero, WHO in order to disseminate right information and clearing every doubts and myths and misconception, took a session to sensitize the crowd on COVID-19 Vaccination as the coverage under the District is quite low.

A press release from Leeyan Chemshy, Media Officer, NHM, Mon informed that a mini health camp was held which was covered by Dr Dr Tinenlo James Katwa, DTO Mon, Dr Shasinle Tep, DIO (UIP&RCH), Dr Mero WHO, and Dr Penjei MO Shangnyu along with four nurses.

The programme was chaired by Loshon Wangshu (PMDT Supervisor &HIV TB Co-ordinator) and invocation prayer was dedicated by Phongnyei, Youth Director Leangha Village.

Phek: NTEP Phek observed World TB Day at Clock Tower, Phek town with Deputy Commissioner, Phek Razouvolie Dozo as the special guest.

Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Phek Dr Vibeituonuo Mepfuo in her keynote address highlighted the different services available for TB treatment in the district. The signs and symptoms of TB were also shared to the participants.

The gatherings were informed that all the treatment, investigation, Diagnosis for TB are free of cost and TB patients are given an incentive under Nickshay Poshan Yojana an amount of Rs 500 monthly for the entire duration of their treatment.

CMO also briefed the various activities carried out in the district under ‘Jan Andolan’ campaign with the slogan ‘TB Harega: Desh Jeetega’ a mass movement against TB. She reiterated the NGO’s from various group, officers from different departments etc, to support towards the elimination of TB by 2025.

DC Phek Razouvolie Dozo exhorted the gathering to spread awareness on TB in the society and be the champion of TB. TB Champion Brand Ambassador of Phek district, Vepahu Khamo shared his testimony as a cured TB patient and urged the gathering to remove social stigma attached to it. A special song was presented by Velato Nienu and felicitation activities were also done by Vezotalu Shijoh, Sr PMDT. Earlier, the welcome addressed was delivered by Dr Nichükholie Vüprü while invocation was pronounced by Thepfuneizo Yhor, Pastor, Angami Baptist Church, Phek town.

Kutolu Nakro, District Media Officer, Phek in a press release said that the programme was attended by Vesupra Kezo, Superintendent of Police, Phek, NGOs, allied departments, staffs of DH Phek and CMO.

Zunheboto: During the programme organised by NTEP Zunheboto at VDB Hall, Zunheboto, Dr Y Aron Sema, DTO, Zunheboto briefed that TB Day is designed to build public awareness about the global epidemic of TB and efforts to eliminate the disease.

Dr Aron shared about some facts about the early warnings and awareness for early detection. He elaborated about the signs and symptoms and the Designated Microscopy Centre available in Zunheboto district. He also encouraged about the responsibilities of every citizen to create awareness.

Uniel Kichu, IPS, Superintendent of Police, Zunheboto motivated the gathering to make health a priority. He said that with the advancement of medical science, we can avail all the best medical facilities. Dr Esther Chophy Ngullie, Dental Surgeon, DH, Zunheboto shared a short note on TB and Tobacco. Shihoto Zhimo, GB, President, Zunheboto Town GB Union gave a short speech on behalf of public. Akavi Yeptho, PMDT, Supervisor presented a special song.

Free IEC materials were distributed during the observance. Mughato Kiba, Lab Tech was awarded the best TB Health Worker, Shekho Sophie, District Media Officer, CMO office, Zunheboto stated in a press release.

The programme was attended by SP, Administration, Church workers and other stakeholders, IEC bureau and medical fraternity. Dr K Akaho Sema, CMO chaired the programme and Kavili N Chishi, Asstt Pastor, Children SBCZ said the invocation.

Dimapur: NTEP Dimapur observed World Tuberculosis Day at Chavara Home, Naharbari on March 24. It was observed in Chavara Home to show love and support for the infected and affected children of PLHIV/AIDS and also to appreciate the noble and hard work of Charava Home.

Dr Benchilo Ngullie, District TB Officer Dimapur informed that Dimapur reports the highest number of TB cases in the state. In 2020, the number of TB patient under treatment was 1491. TB is the most common “opportunist infection” in PLHIV/AIDS; the government is providing free TB drugs for prevention of TB in PLHIV/AIDS, Dr Ngullie said.

She stated that TB is curable and World TB Day is an opportunity to raise awareness about TB worldwide and the status of TB prevention and control. This event is also an occasion to mobilize political and social commitment for further progress.

A short testimony was shared by a cured TB patient. Certificates of appreciation for their dedication towards TB free India were also presented to staff under NTEP.

Dr D R Sharma, IMA President Dimapur and Dr Mereninla Senlem, CMO Dimapur exhorted the participants while children of Chavara Home presented song.

The programme was chaired by Sister Florence, Chavara Home, while Sister Alicia said the invocation prayer and vote of thanks was by Kekuoseno Peseyie, STLS.

Mokokchung: NTEP, Mokokchung celebrated World TB Day at IDSP Conference Hall, Chief Medical Officer Office, Mokokchung.

The programme was chaired by Dr Kibangkumba, Deputy CMO, Mokokchung, Dr Toshila, Senior Medical Officer, Chest Disease & TB Hospital, Mokokchung, spoke on the theme while Dharam Raj, SDO (Civil) encouraged the gathering to take action against TB. Two people cured from TB shared their testimonies.

Source: https://morungexpress.com/the-clock-is-ticking-nagaland-observes-world-tb-day