Shortage of staff and transportation hindrance to TB prog in Kiphire dist

An official addressing the Combined Review Meeting of TB Forum and District Aids Prevention Control Unit held in DC’s chamber in Kiphire on August 22. (Morung Photo) 
 

More community involvement and social awareness needed on TB and HIV/AIDS
 

Morung Express News
Kiphire | August 22

During the Combined Review Meeting of TB Forum and District Aids Prevention Control Unit (DAPCU) in Kiphire, it was highlighted that shortage of staff and transportation problem are some of the factors that are responsible for hindrance of TB program in the district. 

However, Kiphire is one of the districts which have achieved 100% direct patient benefit under TB incentive, disclosed Dr Hedungkiebe DTO (RNTCP) & DACO while addressing the review meeting held at the DC chamber Kiphire on August 22.

He disclosed there were 105 TB cases detected last year and out of this 90% of the cases has been treated and this financial year the success rate so far is 70 % of the 71 total case detected. “If a TB patient is left untreated it has a chance of infecting other 15 person and the patient may also die in 2-3 years’ time,” Dr Hedungkiebe said during the meeting. He also shared on the causes of TB. 

Stating that more community involvement and societal awareness is needed, Dr Hedungkiebe shared that TB patients are discriminate in some societies because of lack of awareness. “More awareness programme should be encouraged,” he said. 

Shayung Phom, DC Kiphire who is also the chairperson gave suggestion on how the TB can be fought together with the involvement of civil societies, department concerned and the district administration. 

“We should all be responsible in our own ways so that the society is free from TB,” the DC said.

Tseive, DAPCU gave the overall view of HIV/AIDS in the district of this current financial year. Of the 1209 samples collected, 19 were detected positive, she informed while adding that “the transmission of HIV/AIDS is mostly through sexual route.” 

Members from KpNP+ suggested having Peer Educators in each block so that discrimination and stigma attached to it can be eradicated and the person who is infected with HIV/AIDS can share freely and in that way they can avail possible support.