Participants of the cycle rally to mark World TB Day on March 24 in Kohima.
Dimapur, March 26 (MExN): The Kohima District TB Centre celebrated World TB Day on March 24, with a range of activities to spread awareness about TB and to promote efforts to end the global epidemic. The event was held at the Chief Medical Officer's Office under the theme “Yes! We can end TB!” The day started with a cycle rally, which was organized in collaboration with the Gear Thrills Cycling Club, and flagged off by the Chief Medical Officer. The cyclists distributed IEC materials to the public on TB to raise awareness.
According to a press release received here on Sunday, the formal programme began with a keynote address by Dr Tumchobeni, the Chief Medical Officer. Dr Chibenthung Kithan, the District TB Officer spoke about the significance of the day and also emphasized emphasizing the need for increased investments, faster uptake of new WHO recommendations, adoption of innovations, accelerated action, and multisectoral collaboration to combat the TB epidemic.
He added that since January 2022, a total of 708 patients were tested TB positive, out of whom 281 are currently on treatment and 6 MDR patients.
As per the release, the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukth Bharat Abhiyaan Campaign was also discussed at the event. This campaign aims to garner support for TB patients through donors, also known as Nikshay Mitra, in the form of nutritional, vocational, or diagnostic support. Dr Amenla Walling, Deputy Director, Department of Veterinary & Animal Husbandry, who is also a donor, shared her experience and motivation behind becoming a Nikshay Mitra. She also encouraged people to come forward in creating awareness and becoming donors and reduce stigma related to TB.
The TB Champion, Rudisula, shared her testimony as a patient and her road to recovery. The programme was followed by a training session on TB Presumptive Treatment, it added.
