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Staff of the Nagaland TB cell along with the personnel of the 4th NAP Battalion at Thizama during the World TB Day programme on March 24.[/caption]
Dimapur, March 24 (EMN): Various organisations across Nagaland observed World Tuberculosis Day on March 24 with the global theme “Wanted: Leaders for a TB free world.”
The day is observed every year on said date to generate public understanding about tuberculosis (TB) and to mobilise political and social commitments to further the goal of eliminating TB as a public health concern and burden.
The Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP) observed the event at the 4th NAP post at Thizama on March 24.
The programme was presided over by Alongla, deputy commandant, during which she expressed gratitude to the medical personnel for giving priority to the policemen and choosing to conduct the programme with them.
Dr. Palash Talukdar, medical consultant at the World Health Organisation, spoke about the signs and symptoms of TB and the facilities that are available for treatment.
According to him, there are 44 designated microscopy centres and diagnostic equipments. He said that people with low immunity such as HIV and diabetics are more prone to tuberculosis. He stressed on the importance of uninterrupted completion of treatment as it could lead to development of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis.
The portend of the theme “Wanted: Leaders for a TB free world” was spoken by Dr. Apichetla Amer, assistant programme officer. She remarked that the day is observed across the world to recognise the achievements that had been attained in TB prevention and control activities.
Besides it is to renew the commitment to eliminating the devastating disease, she said. The officer encouraged the gathering to take responsibility in spreading information about the disease, which she said would eventually contribute in eliminating the disease by 2025 as envisaged by the government of India.
During the course of the programme, queries raised by the gathering were addressed.
The RNTCP visited Bright Morning Star Orphanage Home also and interacted with the children.
In a related programme, RNTCP Zunheboto has observed the World TB Day at DTC, Zunheboto, on March 24, where Dr. Khehokhu Chishi, DTO, RNTCP, Zunheboto, has highlighted about the significance of the day.
Dr. Khehokhu briefed that TB Day is designed to build public awareness about the global epidemic of tuberculosis (TB) and efforts to eliminate the disease.
Akavi, PMDT, Supervisor RNTCP, who spoke on the theme, shared on some facts about the early warnings and awareness for early detection. He elaborated about the signs and symptoms and about the designated microscopy centre available in Zunheboto district. He also encouraged about the responsibilities of every citizen to create awareness.
Free IEC materials were distributed during the observance.
People from different walks of life including church workers, other stakeholders, IEC bureau, and medical fraternity attended the programme.
RNTCP Phek district has also observed the ‘World TB Day’ on March 24 at Dzulhami PHC.
Speaking at the programme, Dr. Ruokuohelie Rutsa, District Tuberculosis Officer (DTO), briefly highlighted the programme activities to the participants. He spoke on the importance of community participation in elimination of TB by 2025.
To mark the programme, painting competition was organised for the students, where prizes were awarded to the best top ten with best key messages on TB.
The programme was chaired by Vasapra Vasa, Dzulha VDB secretary, while the invocation was pronounced by Rev. Vekuso Swuro, pastor of Dzulha Baptist Church. The welcome address was delivered by Belhunyi Nyekha, VCC Dzulha, and the vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Kevisevolie Sekhose.
Altogether more 100 participants attended the program.
Kohima District TB Control Society under the establishment of the chief medical officer, Kohima, has observed the World TB Day at District TB & Chest Diseases Hospital, Khuzama, on March 24.
Dr. Mezhuno Angami, senior specialist at Khuzama Hospital, chaired the programme, while opening prayer was invoked by the nursing superintendent of the hospital and Dr. Bendangsenla, medical superintendent, delivered the welcome address.
Dr. Asunu Sakhrie, District TB Officer, said India bears the major burden of TB in the world comprising 28%. Report stated that there are 1200 deaths in India everyday with 10 deaths every 3 minutes. With this alarming figure spiralling overboard, she said India is committed to eliminating TB by 2025. She stated that health personnel and political leaders alone cannot achieve the target but requires the contributions from all walks of life because TB is a public health concern.
Dr Ritu Thur, chief medical officer, Kohima, has highlighted on the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of TB. He reminded that TB is curable if one takes the medicines on time and for the complete duration.
Students from three schools participated in a poster competition about TB and the best three were given cash prizes. Five cured TB patients, Head GB, youth chairman and the women group of Khuzama village were felicitated and given gift hampers to acknowledge their efforts in the fight against TB.