Dimapur: 1738 TB patients undergoing treatment

Morung Express News 
Dimapur | March 24

World Tuberculosis Day based on the theme ‘Yes we can end TB’ was observed at Immanuel College, Dimapur on March 24. Organised by the National TB Elimination Programme, Dimapur in collaboration with the Red Ribbon Club of Immanuel College, the event was aimed at spreading awareness and educating the students about the disease.    

During the programme, Dr Benchilo Ngullie, District Tuberculosis Officer (DTO) revealed that as per the latest update, 1738 TB cases were notified and the patients have been put on treatment under Dimapur. This was according to the data collected from the Ni-Kshay app of the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) which tracks cases across India. 

The Dimapur district TB centre was first started on December 1, 2004 and since then about 1000 to 2000 cases were detected every year through the centre, she mentioned. 

Sharing a power point presentation on TB disease for the students, she highlighted the facilities such as free drugs, free test and financial benefits available to patients undergoing treatment. With the disease being communicable yet curable, Dr Ngullie encouraged the students to participate in 'TB MUKT BHARAT ABHIYAAN campaign and spread awareness on TB so that its stigma can be removed from the mindset of the communities.

Moreover, with the country aiming to eliminate TB by 2025, Dr Ngullie noted that this can only be achieved when all the stakeholders come together and participate in the movement to have a TB free India. 

The TB Champion, Dhonshring Hasnu shared his testimony about how he was cured of TB disease.

Besides this, the District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit (DAPCU) team also shared a power point presentation on HIV and blood donation as well for the benefit of the students gathered for the event. The team stated that HIV prevalence was highest in Dimapur district and the age group of between 15-49 years were the most susceptible. Thus, they stressed on the need for the young adults to be more aware about sexual and reproductive health.  

Five NTEP staffs were felicitated with appreciation certificates for best performance during the function.

The programme was chaired by Serfudin Ali, Asst Professor while Th Saratchandra Singh, Principal gave the welcome address and vote of thanks was given by Nurhebei, Convenor, Red Ribbon Club, Immanuel College.