‘Yes, We Can End TB!’ – Nagaland joins global fight

Dimapur, March 25 (MExN): The World Tuberculosis Day was observed under the theme, “Yes, We Can End TB! Commit, Invest, Deliver” across Nagaland state on March 24.

WOKHA: Wokha District observed World Tuberculosis (TB) Day at the DC’s conference hall, Wokha, with a call for collective action to end TB. The event was organised by the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP), District TB Centre, Wokha, with an objective to raise awareness about TB and encourage communities to unite in eradicating the disease. The event was graced by Vineet Kumar, Deputy Commissioner, Wokha as the special guest.

DC Wokha and District TB Forum President, in Vineet Kumar his speech addressed the gathering with a message of encouragement and hope. He commended the efforts of the village councils for their cooperation in the TB elimination programme and urged the villages that achieved bronze status to aim for silver and gold status. He emphasized that TB is a disease that can affect anyone and urged the public to avoid any form of discrimination against patients.

Kumar highlighted the government’s ongoing commitment to supporting TB patients, including the provision of six months of nutritional aid. He pointed out that TB can sometimes be asymptomatic and, if left untreated, can lead to fatal consequences. He appealed to the public to undergo timely treatment and regular screenings for early detection and prevention of TB.

He further appealed for collaborative efforts in line with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) target of eliminating TB by 2030.

Dr. Akum Jamir, District TB Officer (DTO) Wokha, delivered the welcome address, stressing the significance of World TB Day and the importance of community participation in TB elimination.

A Cured TB Patient shared a story of his personal experience with TB treatment and recovery, encouraging others to seek help without fear of stigma.

A felicitation programme was also held to recognise the hard work of NTEP staff and the TB Mukt Panchayats, where 34 villages were identified as TB Free/TB Mukt Panchayats for the year 2024 and were honored for their successful TB eradication efforts. Among them were notable silver achievers such as Bhandari Village, Longsachung, Okheyan, Sankiton, Selukvu, and Mekirang.

MOKOKCHUNG: The District Tuberculosis Centre Mokokchung observed World TB Day 2025 at the CMO conference hall, Mokokchung.

In her keynote address, Dr R Toshimenla Jamir, District Tuberculosis Officer, highlighted the urgency of India’s mission to eliminate TB by 2025, five years ahead of the global target. She emphasized that while substantial progress has been made in TB care and prevention, sustained efforts are required. Dr. Jamir also underlined the importance of India’s National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) and government initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and the Nikshay Mitra programme in accelerating the fight against TB.

“TB cannot be fought by the healthcare system alone. Community participation and institutional involvement are crucial in filling the gaps and achieving our national goal,” Dr Jamir added.

Chumlamo Humtsoe, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Mokokchung in his short speech, urged all stakeholders to actively participate in achieving a TB-free India. He emphasized that each individual, as a representative of a group, ward, village, or organization, has a role to play in supporting the health system. “Awareness of the Nikshay Mitra programme and willingness to become donors can significantly aid in the fight against TB,” Humtsoe remarked. He further stated that commemorating such days should serve as a reminder of the responsibility everyone shares in eliminating TB.
Imyapangla, Project Director, DRDA, reinforced the message, asserting that TB is curable with active participation from all sectors. “Anyone with symptoms should be bold enough to get tested and treated for free. We must also work towards eliminating stigma and ensuring an inclusive environment,” she said. Imyapangla urged those gathered to strive toward making all 88 villages under Mokokchung TB Mukht (TB-Free) Villages.

The programme also featured a testimony from Naresh Thapa, a TB Champion, who shared personal experiences of battling TB, highlighting both the challenges and triumphs. Additionally, the contributions of TB Mukt Panchayats were recognised, with certificates and mementos awarded to representatives from villages that have achieved TB-free status.
Bendangwati, Chairman of Mekuli Village Council, and Moatemjen, Chairman of Aosetsü Village Council, expressed their appreciation for the efforts made towards TB elimination. Notably, only two villages, Ao Setsü and Mekuli, have been officially declared TB Mukt Panchayats in Mokokchung.

DIMAPUR: The World Tuberculosis Day cum DAPCC and Vertical Programs Meeting in Dimapur was held at CMO conference hall, Dimapur on March 24.

Speaking as the special guest, DC Dimapur, Dr Tinojungshi Chang, NCS, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating Tuberculosis (TB) in the region. He emphasised that the government stands ready to support efforts in combating the disease and highlighted the role of 19 villages as key touch points in extending TB awareness and prevention measures to other communities.

Dr Chang stressed that TB can be eliminated with collective efforts at the grassroots level. He urged the Village Development Boards (VDBs) and Village Councils to actively participate in the fight against TB by ensuring awareness, early detection, and access to treatment. The government provides free medicines and financial support for TB patients, he stated, encouraging local leaders to take advantage of these resources to strengthen the healthcare response in rural areas. With increased collaboration between government agencies and community leaders, the initiative aims to bring TB under control, ensuring better health outcomes for all, he added.

Chief Medical Officer of Dimapur, Dr T Temsu Lkr, emphasising the need for continued investment and commitment to eradicating TB, urged the public to give support in every way possible and to cooperate with them to eliminate this disease and malaria.

A felicitation ceremony recognising TB Muk Panchayat (TB-free villages) Awards and the presentation of appreciation certificates to dedicated healthcare staff was also held.

Presentations on vertical programs, including NTEP (National Tuberculosis Elimination Program), NVBDCP (National Vector Borne Disease Control Program) and DISHA, highlighted on-going efforts in disease prevention and control. A moving testimony from Monica, a TB champion, shed light on the challenges faced by TB patients and their journey toward recovery.

A special segment was dedicated to TB patients, allowing them to share their experiences in five-minute sessions.

TUENSANG: Tuensang district observed World Tuberculosis Day at Town Hall Tuensang with DC Tuensang, Lithrongla Tongpi Rutsa as the special guest.

Speaking on the occasion, the DC Tuensang appreciated the TB Champion of Tuensang for coming up to share his story which is an eye opener for the society in fighting TB. She highlighted that India Target for elimination of TB is 2025, whereas Tuensang District detect 251 TB in past 1 year which is concerning for the District. Rutsa added that everyone should change their casual approach to the TB Patient by community support. She also urged the public, NGOs and government employees to come forward in contributing a sum for the nutrition of the TB Patient in the district.

Other highlights of the programme included keynote address by SMO DH Tuensang, Dr Alemba R Jamir; Yes We Can by Hanso TB Champion; Drama by TTBL and presentation of Mitra certificate.

NOKLAK: World Tuberculosis Day was observed at Chief Medical Officer, conference hall Noklak.

Speaking as the special guest, DC Noklak, Arikumba NCS said, Tuberculosis is an old disease and the whole world was observing it to completely eradicate the disease. He stated that, he being the administrator of the district, it was his duty is to bring the required medical facilities to the hospital. He urged the gathering to give support to the medical department for successful completion of the mission. He also assured that the Noklak DPDB members will give financial support to the TB patients who are in need of financial support. He said that the fight against the disease is communal one and everyone should stand together to end the spread of TB disease in the community. He also stressed on the need to spread awareness and make the people understand the disease without alarm or fear.

CMO Noklak, Dr Victor NC in his keynote address shared on the symptoms of Tuberculosis disease and roots causes of infections. He said TB medicine and treatment is being provided free of cost by the government. He, therefore, encouraged all the citizens to come forward to the hospital and get treatment. He added that TB is 100% curable. Dr Victor NC also received award of appreciation certificate from the Deputy Commissioner for his adoption of two TB patients.

Presentation of nutritional supplementation to the adopted TB patients was carried out by the CMO, SP and DC.

LONGLENG: World TB Day was observed at the VCC & VDB Association Complex, Longleng with EAC, Longleng as the special guest.

Dr Temsusashi, DPO NTEP, delivering the key note address urged the people to renew their commitment and rededicate themselves in the fight against TB and also unite to work towards the elimination of TB which is an infectious disease and leading cause of death worldwide. He stated that the theme aims to convey the urgent need to invest resources to ramp up the fight against TB and achieve the commitments to end TB made by global leaders. He said that the purpose of observing the day was to disseminate awareness on TB to the mass. 

Speaking on behalf of district administration the EAC, Longleng Kumari Pipfusa Pojar asserted that TB is one of the deadliest diseases that took millions of live globally. For this reason she said Government of India has launched various programs to eliminate TB by 2025. In order to meet the target she seek the cooperation and support of stakeholders, government agencies, civil societies and all concerned to come together and work towards elimination of TB from the district. She also urged the gathering to stop stigma and give moral and emotional support to TB patients. 

During the programme, the “TB Champion” shared her experiences in defeating the disease. Awareness on TB was proposed by Tongang Phom STS (NTEP). Altogether 23 Villages received silver and bronze award as “TB Mukt Villages” of the district. Dr Tiasunep CMO, Longleng gave away the best ASHA Award to one of the best performing Asha of Oukshok village.

PEREN: NTEP Peren held the observance of World TB Day at Athibung PHC, Peren. Dr Keholi Sema, DTO, Peren gave a keynote address. She briefed that TB Day is observed to raise awareness about TB and effort to end the global epidemic. She shared some facts about the early warnings and awareness for early detection. She elaborated about the signs and symptoms and about the Designated Microscopy Centre available in Peren district. 

Special guest Sulanthung, SDO (Civil), Athibung encouraged the responsibilities of every citizen to create awareness. He also encouraged the gathering that health is very important and said a healthy lifestyle is very important and motivated to make health a priority. He also said that with the advancement of medical science we are so lucky that we can avail all the best medical facilities. He also declared that Hospital Adoption Committee will sponsor Nikshay Mitra for every diagnose TB patient under Athibung block. 

Yiputpungle, ANM, Khelma HWC shared her experience on the challenges of TB campaign. John, TB Champion shared about overcoming TB.

Beisumpuiram, Khelma, Nkiolodi, Lower Sinjol, Saijang, Lilen and Lilen B villages were declared TB free villages and awarded with Certificates and Bronze Momentos. Free IEC materials were distributed during the observance.

MON: The District Health Society Mon under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme, organised World TB Day at the conference hall of District Hospital, Mon.

Dr Supongmenla Walling announced that 26 villages in Mon District have been labeled as TB free villages, and the central has presented them with a certificate and a monument of Mahatma Gandhi.
Dr Wungyong Konyak DPO (RCH&UIP) discussed the history, symptoms, and treatment of tuberculosis as well as where to get the treatment. Lastly, he encouraged all to get together and fight for the eradication of tuberculosis. 

Tingkhah, the TB Champion, who has successfully completed the treatment, shared his experience and illness management approach. Manpong, Chairman Sowa Changle and Manjah Konyak, Chairman, Chingdang Village expressed gratitude for being recognised as the TB-free village. 

Following that, all 26 TB-Free villages were honoured with certificates and a bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi, symbolizing his vision for healthy village and one silver statue of Mahatma Gandhi to Shinnyu Village for continuing two years of TB-free village. The Nikshay Mitras were also presented with a certificate for extending their support to the TB patients.

PHEK: National Tuberculosis Elimination Program Phek District observed World TB Day at Dr Wethselo T Mero Memorial hall, DH Phek with John Tsulise Sangtam, NCS DC Phek as the guest speaker. 

Felicitation ceremony was held during which Dr Chitale Heise CMO, Phek handed over the award to Dr Pritpal Kaur Batra IPS SP Phek for her exceptional contribution as a Nikshay Mitra (2024-25) and to Vevosalu Rhakho GNM CHC Chozuba for best DOTs Provider. Also 32 TB Free villages under Phek were recognised (22 Silver 10 Bronze) for maintaining its position as the highest in the state for achieving TB-free status for the second time.

Lt Col Pabitro Majumdar, 21C 39th AR Phek in his exhortation has shared that we get TB disease through substance abuse, malnutrition etc. We can control and eliminate TB by spreading awareness, community contribution, educate the society.

Dr.Pritpal Kaur Batra IPS SP Phek and Chetezo Akami, Dy Chairperson PTC shared on Nikshay Mitra and TB Mukt Panchayat.

ZUNHEBOTO: The Office of the Chief Medical Officer, Zunheboto, observed World TB Day 2025. The programme was graced by Rahul Bhabudas Mali, IAS, DC, Zunheboto, as the special guest.
Dr H Mlato Shikhu, District TB Officer (DTO), Zunheboto highlighted the ‘Commit, Invest, Deliver’ approach, commit to making states, districts, and the country TB-free. Invest in free treatment, medicines, and nutritional support. Deliver TB-free services across villages to ensure accessibility for all.

Ketho Angami, President of ARK Foundation, spoke on the importance of TB response from private healthcare providers. He emphasised that TB is an airborne disease and stressed the need for greater awareness to curb its rapid spread. He also shared the challenges faced by TB response teams in reaching every village.

Dr Antoly Swu, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Zunheboto, addressed the gathering, stressing that TB is preventable, curable, and treatable. She highlighted the need to eliminate stigma and discrimination surrounding TB, urging communities to support affected individuals openly. To encourage TB elimination efforts, she felicitated Natha New, Pughoboto, and Shichimi villages for achieving TB-free status under Zunheboto District.

The DC Rahul Bhabudas Mali, IAS, in his address, provided key statistics, stating that Nagaland has 3,843 TB cases, while India records 28 lakh new cases annually, with Zunheboto currently having ten reported cases. He emphasised early detection as the most effective measure in combating TB and saving lives.