Dimapur, Sep. 28 (EMN): Informing that Nagaland has high rate of tuberculosis (TB) cases, the deputy commissioner and chairperson of Kohima District TB Forum, Shanavas C, has urged all the stakeholders to coordinate with various departments in their efforts to eliminate TB by 2025.
Shanavas stated this during a meeting of TB Forum held on September 26 in his office’s conference hall. He stated that the TB campaign calls for social movements focused on patient-centric and holistic care-driven by integrated actions for a TB-free India.
He expressed concern that there was a need for proper mechanisms with representatives in the villages, where there is a lack of awareness, stated a DIPR report. He added that meeting should not remain just an official procedure but should have proper follow-up and review meeting every time so that the discussion and strategies should reach out to the grassroots.
Highlighting the objectives of TB Forum, NTEP state TB cell and director of Health and Family Welfare, Thungchanbeni M Humtsoe, stated that the main objectives of TB Forum are to engage with policymakers and implementers to ensure justice, rights, and dignity of TB patients for effective service delivery; to supplement and complement government initiatives to enforce; TB patient-friendly law, policy, and programmes; to reduce stigma and discrimination and ensure social security of TB patients, survivors, and their families; to improve awareness on various government schemes, provisions, facilities available for TB patients and to improve treatment literacy and adherence among TB patients and to engage in evidence-based advocacy with the stakeholders to expand services.
Speech on TB scenario in Kohima district was presented by district TB officer, Dr. Chibenthung Kithan.
Keduseto Kintso, a TB champion/survivor, shared his testimony, while a presentation on HIV/AIDS scenario in Kohima district was delivered by Sentimongla Tzudir, district programme officer of Dap M, District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit, Kohima.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by member secretary of District TB Forum, Kohima.
