The National TB Elimination Programme held a capacity building workshop for the Management of Drug-Resistant TB and its annual review meeting from February 11-13.
 along with Officers and staff of NTEP.jpg)
KOHIMA, FEBRUARY 14 (MExN): The National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) held a capacity building workshop for the Management of Drug-Resistant TB (DR-TB) and its annual review meeting from February 11-13 at the IDSP Conference Hall, Department of Health & Family Welfare. The event was chaired by Dr Vezokholu Theyo, State TB Officer.
In her address, Dr Akuo Sorhie, Mission Director (NHM), highlighted the objectives of managing DR-TB, emphasizing the need for evidence-based recommendations from national and global studies. She introduced the new 6-month shorter oral BPaLM regimen for the treatment of Multi-Drug Resistant TB (MDR-TB), aiming to build the capacity of health providers and stakeholders on the latest guidelines for MDR-TB management.
The workshop covered various crucial topics, including global evidence on the efficacy and safety of the new regimen, operational research, and programmatic scale-up of BPaLM. Indian evidence from the modified BPaL trial, eligibility and exclusion criteria, regimen modifications, and management of special situations like children, pregnant women, and individuals with co-morbidities were also discussed. The participants engaged in case scenario sessions to enhance their understanding of DR-TB management.
During the Annual Review meeting, Dr Collins Z. Sono, WHO Medical Consultant, presented the programme's performance for 2024 across all districts. He noted that Longleng district had screened over 4,130 presumptive TB cases, while Mon district had screened more than 2,752. He encouraged all districts to increase TB screening, an essential programme indicator.
Dr Sono also shared that the notification achievement for 2024 stood at 80%, with districts like Mon, Dimapur, Kiphire, and Mokokchung performing above average. Success rates for TB treatment were reported at 85%, with 94% of TB patients knowing their HIV status.
Additional topics such as TPT & CyTB, Advocacy Communication & Social Mobilization, TB Mukt Panchayat, and Differentiated TB Care were covered. Dr. Akum Jamir and Dr. Chibenthung Kithan, District TB Officers (DTOs) of Wokha and Kohima, shared their experiences from the 100 Day Ni-kshay Shivir Campaign.
The meeting was attended by NTEP officers and staff, with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Apichetla Amer, Assistant Programme Officer (NTEP).
