Kohima, June 16 (MExN): Nagaland Users’ Network (NUN) in collaboration with NNP+ Vihaan HIV/TB and KNP+ Kohima conducted a treatment literacy program at KNP+ office on June 16 with PLHIV community and staff.
A press note stated that the purpose of the workshop was to educate PLHIVs on the importance and priority of TB to be a common opportunistic infection and availing of existing treatment facilities available was necessary.
Advocacy officer for NUN, Renbonthung tungoe facilitated the session where topics on basics of TB, LTBI, MDRTB and XDRT were discussed. More emphasize on Isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT), co-trimoxazole preventive therapy (CPT), Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS), treatment for CAT 1, CAT 2, MDRTB were also discussed.
The sessions discussed on the various drug interactions between ART and TB drugs and also why it is important for PLHIVs in their 2nd line ART treating TB should be put on Rifabutin and not Rifampicin, further asking the participants to ensure that rifabutin is available in the DOTS centres for treatment. The discussion further led to early diagnosis for tuberculosis and treatment as to be effective and so TB screening at regular interval should be practiced.
The resource person informed the participants that NUN along with NNP+ have submitted a memorandum for the implementation of Isoniazid preventive therapy for PLHIV to the directorate of health and family welfare, Government of Nagaland. IPT is not available in the state and is a need for PLHIVs which central TB division and NACO also recommends for PLHIVs to be put on IPT for a minimum of at least 6 months. The resource person further apprised the participants that NUN and NNP+ are hopeful that the government will provide a positive response to the letter.
