Dimapur, June 17 (EMN): Kiphire topped among other districts in the tuberculosis (TB) intervention programme by securing 90 marks during the first quarter from January to March 2022. The marks were given based on nine indicators such as success rate, UDST, notification rate, HIV known status etc.
This was disclosed by the WHO medical consultant, Dr. Collins Z Sono, during the first quarterly review meeting of the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) held at the IDSP conference hall of the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare, Kohima, on June 16.
Presenting the state performance, Dr. Collins stated that the Kiphire district was followed by the Mokokchung district with 84 marks and the Mon district with 80 marks. He informed that the Tuensang district was found to be the worst-performing district. Dr. Collins stated that the Kiphire district has screened more than 3000 presumptive TB followed by the Longleng district screening more than 2000 during the first quarter. He, therefore, encouraged the district to increase the screening for presumptive TB.
Dr. Collins mentioned that districts such as Dimapur, Kiphire and Mon secured 87% notification achievement during the first quarter. He has asked the districts like Peren, Phek and Tuensang to put in more effort. According to him, the success rate was 83% and HIV known status for TB patients was 96%.
An update from the Medical department stated that the state TB officer, Dr Tiasunup Pongener, welcomed all the participants and also encouraged DTO and staff to put more effort into TB elimination from the state.
Meanwhile, Dr. Thorhusie Katiry, NHM mission director, has appreciated NTEP for conducting the review meetings and also encouraged all to strive harder to achieve the programme’s targets indicators.
Dr. Palsah Talukdar, WHO medical consultant, has stressed community support for TB patients and ensuring patients consent to be taken.
Report stated that the agenda on Nikshay mitra, district strategic plan, ACSM, multi-sectoral coordination, Nikshay Aushadhi, engagement of service providers (NGO) and newer initiative were discussed during the meeting. The review meeting was attended by districts TB officers and WHO consultants.