Nagaland reaffirms commitment to end TB

•    100-Day Intensified Campaign on TB Elimination launched 
•    4,229 TB cases reported in 2023; 3,018 new cases identified this year

Our Correspondent
Kohima | December 8

The Department of Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland, launched the 100-Day Intensified Campaign on TB Elimination (Ni-Kshay Shivir) at Seikhazou, D Khel Ground, Kohima on December 7. 

The initiative is part of India’s nationwide effort to eliminate tuberculosis (TB) by 2025, five years ahead of the global target set by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Addressing the state level-cum-Kohima district launching programme, Nagaland Health & Family Welfare Minister, P Paiwang Konyak reaffirmed the State’s commitment to eliminating TB by 2025.

Stating that the campaign is not just a program, he said, “It is a mission of hope, health and empowerment. Tuberculosis has been a long-standing public health challenge, affecting countless lives, particularly the most vulnerable ones in our society. It robs individuals of their health, productivity and dreams. However, today we reaffirm our commitment to end this deadly disease by implementing bold, community-driven and patient-centric solutions.”

The Minister said that this 100 days’ intensified campaign is covering 347 selected high priority districts across 33 States/UTs which will involve a comprehensive strategy to mobilize resources, raise awareness through visual and print media and intensify actions against TB.

In Nagaland, the campaign districts include Kohima, Mon and Wokha.

Over the next 100 days, these initiatives will serve as the frontline battleground against TB by focusing on various field like active case finding by reaching the unreached, identifying and diagnosing TB cases early- particularly in high-risk and underserved populations with strengthened treatment support, innovative tools, linkage to nutritional care and community participation, Paiwang said.

“This campaign is a clarion call for people’s participation as it recognizes that only with the combined efforts of government agencies, healthcare providers, non-profit organizations, private players and most importantly, the communities we serve, can we eradicate TB,” he said.

Today, he said, by launching this initiative, let us pledge our unwavering support to this cause, reaffirm our commitment to the vision for a healthier, TB-free India. This battle will not be easy, but together, we will overcome.

To all health workers and stakeholders, he thanked them for their relentless dedication.

“You are the driving force behind this movement and your efforts will ensure that every patient receives timely care and a life of dignity,” he said.

Let us take this opportunity to create a lasting impact and deliver on the promise of good health for all. Together, let us prove that the dream of TB Mukta Bharat is not just a vision but a reality waiting to unfold, the Minister added.

Need for collective efforts 
MLA Dr Tseilhoutuo Rhutso, MLA, emphasised the need for collective efforts in eradicating TB. Dr Rhutso urged the public to actively participate in the campaign, emphasizing that public involvement is essential in alignment with democratic values. He also expressed his readiness to support the campaign to ensure its success.

Nagaland School Education & SCERT Advisor Dr Kekhrielhoulie Yhome reflected on the historical challenges of TB eradication, noting that despite efforts, previous targets and aims have often met with failure.

He highlighted the ambitious nature of India’s 100-day TB Elimination Campaign and called on stakeholders to address ground realities and public policy gaps for its successful implementation.

Anoop Khinchi, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary of Health & Family Welfare, underscored the critical importance of addressing TB, which remains one of India’s biggest public health challenges.

Nagaland reported 4,229 TB cases in 2023, with 3,018 new cases identified this year alone. The campaign aims to strengthen efforts in early detection, comprehensive treatment, and nutritional support for TB patients, he said.

Dr Akuo Sorhie, Mission Director, National Health Mission, Nagaland, highlighted the campaign’s focus on vulnerable groups, including high-risk populations such as household contacts of TB patients, individuals with HIV or diabetes, and the elderly.

Advanced diagnostic tools like AI-based X-ray screenings and molecular testing will play a pivotal role in identifying cases early.
The campaign also emphasizes nutritional support, with Rs 1,000 per month provided to patients under the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.

The launching event featured the felicitation of Nikshay Mitras and TB Champions, along with the distribution of food baskets.
The programme concluded with the flag-off of the Ni-Kshay Vahan by Minister, symbolizing the state’s intensified efforts to reach remote areas with diagnostic and treatment services.

Running until March 2025, the campaign will focus on reducing stigma, raising awareness, and mobilizing communities to take an active role in fighting TB. With sustained efforts and collaborative participation, Nagaland moves closer to its vision of a TB-free state, ensuring improved health and dignity for all its citizens.

Vote of thanks was proposed by Rhosietho Ngouri, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kohima.