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DIMAPUR — The Kohima District TB Forum-District AIDS Prevention and Control Committee (DAPCC) meeting was held on Thursday at the DC conference hall in Kohima, which was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Kumar Ramnikant.
During the meeting, a TB champion shared his personal experiences undergoing treatment under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), a DIPR report stated.
The TB champion expressed his gratitude for the free medicine, treatment and financial assistance provided during his treatment. He emphasised the importance of completing the mandatory six-month medication course without interruption and encouraged fellow TB patients to take full advantage of the facilities available.
DTO Kohima, Dr. Chibenthung Kithan, provided an overview of the district health unit’s profile, services available under the NTEP, as well as the targets, challenges, and outcomes faced.
He also announced that three villages in Kohima have been declared TB-free under the TB Mukt Panchayat initiative.
Sentimongla Tzudir, district programme officer of the District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit, presented data on the adult HIV prevalence rate, HIV-related facilities, achievements made in facility centres and ongoing HIV-related activities in the district.
The deputy commissioner stressed the need for not just collecting data on TB cases but also performing in-depth analyses. He highlighted the importance of testing in close settings to curb the spread of TB, along with the necessity for awareness and counselling where testing occurs.
The forum members resolved to request that the Kohima Municipal Council put up hoardings and creative displays to enhance public awareness about TB.
The meeting emphasised the community’s ongoing efforts and strategies to combat TB and HIV in Kohima, aiming for a healthier future.