Nagaland: Towards collective response to fight TB, HIV and substance abuse

February 11, 2024 18 Views No Comment

Kohima, February 11 (MExN): ARK Foundation in collaboration with Department of Health and Family Welfare, NHM, Government of Nagaland and in partnership with the D.Block Panchayat, Kohima organised a sensitisation programme on Tuberculosis (TB) and its co morbidities at D.Block Panchayat, Hall Kohima, on February 10.

The programme was aimed at sensitising the participants towards a collective response to diseases such as TB, HIV and substance abuse, a press release received here stated.

The programme was chaired by Shanchobeni, Program Coordinator, ARK Foundation, who highlighted about the need to have a collaborative effort and also the gravity of various diseases. She apprised the audience about the ‘TB Elimination 2025’ strategic plan as part of the National TB Elimination Program (NTEP).

The session on TB was delivered by Dr Vezokholü Theyo, State TB officer, NTEP/NHM, Nagaland. She explained about the signs and symptoms of TB, the treatment process and facilities available at Various Government hospitals including PHC and in CHC and also about the various schemes available under the TB Program as well as the Ayushman Bharat Mission Scheme and CMHIS. She further encouraged the participants to avail such schemes.

Sentimongla, DPO, DAPCU facilitated the session on the basics of HIV and AIDS, and STI. She emphasised upon the nature of the virus and the four major route of transmission which includes sharing of infected needle or syringe, unprotected sex, parents to child, and through infected blood transfusion.

She also highlighted about the importance of early ART treatment and adherence while also speaking about the precautionary measures which needs to be practiced that includes abstinence from sex before marriage, being faithful and correct, consistent use of condoms.

On the topic of STI, she mentioned about the signs and symptoms which commonly occurs in the genital areas. It may result in pain while urination, sex, and irritation or infection in the infected area, and that any untreated STIs may further result in more complication or sometimes even loss of fertility, as per the case. In conclusion she mentioned about the various HIV or STI treatment facilities that are made freely available through the various government health centers.

Considering the resurgence of addiction among the present generation and the need for an urgent redressal to this issue, Ketho Angami, President, ARK Foundation, laid out the harmful effects of substance abuse. In his address, he cited that alcohol also is a drug which causes severe health, social and psychological complications. And that alcohol usage should be regarded as a serious health threat.

Further, addressing the audience, he touched upon the rampant use of Sunflower(drugs) addiction among the youths which poses as a matter of great social concern not only to the user themselves but also the family.

Ketho urged the present generation to make healthy choices by staying away from drugs. He lamented about the wide availability of gateway drugs such as dendrite, ganja, tobacco and nicotine products etc and as to how the use of such substances had become quite common among the adolescence. He cautioned the participants that the use of such gateway drugs serves as a springboard to further get into the habit of harder drugs use.

Earlier, Thejakhrielie, Vice President, D.Block Youth Organization (DBYO) delivered the welcome address while the closing remarks was pronounced by Rungbemo Ngullie, Information and Publicity Relation Secretary (DBYO).