Dr Pankaj Thomas, WHO RNTCP Consultant interacting with the audience at the TB awareness programme in Kohima. (Morung Photo)
Kohima, March 22 (MExN): With the World TB Week in its fifth day of Observation, District TB centre Kohima under Revised National TB Control programme (RNTCP), Directorate of Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland, conducted another awareness programme and interaction on Tuberculosis with the inmates and staff of KRIPA Foundation, Kohima. Chairing the programme Dr. Vezokholu, DTO Kohima pointed out that TB as a global disease needs special attention.
Speaking on the Tuberculosis Virus (mycobacterium tuberculosis) and RNTCP, Dr. K. T. Lotha, State TB Officer remarked, “Everyone is liable to Tuberculosis. 40% of the Indian population has the Virus, but a strong immune system is helping them fight off the Virus. Continuous coughing for more than two weeks, blood coughing, evening fever and loss of appetite are some symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis while in the case of Extra Pulmonary Tuberculosis a painless lump appears in the body”.
Ending on a positive note, he called on the inmates saying, “With more amenities in the State let us all work together in spreading awareness and stopping the disease.
Speaking on the theme, “Stop TB in my lifetime”, Dr. Pankaj Thomas, WHO RNTCP Consultant for the states of Nagaland and Manipur terming RNTCP as a wonderful initiative said, “Half of the battle against TB is won once you have a healthy environment and a healthy mind. The disease is as old as human civilization; and we need an all out effort in eradicating it through hygienic means”.
Interestingly, Tutankhamun an 18th dynasty Egyptian Pharaoh who ruled Egypt from 1332 BC – 1323 BC is suspected to have died from Tuberculosis. In his Closing remarks Abou Mere, Director KRIPA Foundation cautioned on how Vaccination & Immunity should not be misunderstood and advised the 18 inmates to stay healthy and hygienic. Thanking the department for organizing the awareness programme, he highlighted the plight of the inmates as marginalized and stigmatized by ignorant people in the Society. A serenity prayer at the starting and end of the programme was offered by the inmates in addition to presentations by the department.
