DIMAPUR, APRIL 21 (MExN): Towards creating awareness on Tuberculosis (TB) elimination in the state, a program on TB awareness was organized by the ARK (Access to Rights and Knowledge) Foundation in partnership with the NTEP, Nagaland on April 20 with attendance from students of Government Higher Secondary School, Aghunato, Zunheboto.
A press release issued by the ARK president, Ketho Angami said the students were made aware of TB as an airborne and an infectious disease. Ketho, who was the resource person, spoke on key points on the disease, its spread, signs and symptoms, and services for treatment.
He said TB is an infectious airborne disease caused by the Mycobacterium Tuberculosis or MTB which continues to be a public health threat even today. Therefore, knowing the facts about TB is one of the best measures to prevent TB within the community, he stated.
Ketho explained that TB is transmitted through the air when someone who is infected with active TB coughs, sneezes, shouts, or sings, and the droplets of saliva containing several numbers of the TB bacilli continue to keep floating in the air. Once a healthy person inhales such contaminated droplets, the TB bacteria push their way into the lungs and cause the infection.
He also stated that TB mostly affects the lungs, but can also affect any part of the human body except hair and nails. On the four most visible and common symptoms, Ketho mentioned that cough for more than 2 weeks, fever, night sweats, and weight loss due to loss of appetite are very clear indications of the likelihood of an active TB infection.
He, however, said that TB is also preventable in many similar lines of Covid19 such as hand washing, sanitizing, and social distancing. Further, he also highlighted the different kinds of TB treatment which are being provided by the government free of cost.
From the treatment perspective, he stated that TB is fully curable if proper diagnosis and treatment are taken as per the prescription. He also urged the participants not to stigmatize nor discriminate against people with TB but rather facilitate in getting the proper treatment and also to create awareness on TB among the community.
Further, Ketho also sensitized the students on the menace of substance abuse among the young generations. He highlighted on the harmful effects of using drugs and urged the students to stay away from these substances by making healthy and productive choices. A way to prevent one from getting introduced into such a habit is to ‘Say no to the first Use’ and also to keep oneself away from gateway drugs such as alcohol, nicotine, and tobacco products, he pointed out.
Nikshay Mitra scheme launched in Khma
Deputy Commissioner and President, Indian Red Cross Society Kohima District Branch, Shanavas C, IAS formally launched Nikshay Mitra at a short programme held at its office on Friday, a DIPR report stated.
Nikshay Mitra is a digital platform that has revolutionized the way Tuberculosis (TB) patients receive care and support in India. It is an initiative of the Prime Minister of India to eliminate Tuberculosis by 2025. The Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan campaign/ Nikshay 2.0 were virtually launched by President of India on September 9, 2022.
This campaign seeks to garner community support for TB patients through Donors (Nikshay Mitra) in the form of nutritional, vocational and diagnostic support.
According to DIPR, The Indian Red Cross Society Kohima District Branch will extend nutritional care and support to ten (10) TB patients for a period of six (6) months in the first phase of its campaign. The programme was attended by representatives from the Nagaland State IRCS Branch.
