Kohima, March 24 (MExN): Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP), Directorate of Health and Family Welfare, Kohima observed World TB Day on March 24, under the theme ‘Unite to End TB’ at Christ King Higher Secondary School and Bethel Higher Secondary School, Kohima.
In the introductory remark it was stated that in the past there were many misconception surrounding the TB disease with some branding the disease as ‘hereditary’, ‘untreatable’ etc but ‘TB is preventable, treatable and curable.’
During the presentation made on TB and RNTCP by Dr. K. T Lotha, State TB Officer, and Dr. Apichetla Amer, Asst. Programme officer stressed that Tuberculosis is one of the most infectious diseases in the world causing the maximum number of deaths.
The thematic message ‘Unite to End TB’ was given by Dr. Swuduvelu Ngully, Medical Officer and Dr. Potikokla, TB HIV Co-ordinator at both the schools where they mentioned that World TB Day is held to remind all, that a concerted effort by all the health workers, politicians, administrators civil society etc was required to end the Global TB epidemic by the year 2035 as declared by the WHO.
Ever since its inception on December 1, 2002, total of 43783 patients have been put under various categories DOTS treatment (upto 4th Quarter 2016). The Case Detection Rate was 72% (Target70%) and Success Rate was 91% (Target 85%) in 2016. Nagaland has consistently been in the target zone for the last 10 years or more in terms of the two performance indicators, they said.
Coming to dosage combination, they said, Fixed Dose Combination (FDC) daily regimen and Anti TB drugs i.e. 99 DOTs for TB-HIV Co-infected Patients and Isonaizid Prophylactic Therapy (IPT) for PLHIVs was launched on 9th Dec 2016. They also said that DOTs plus Investigation and treatment for MDR TB (Multi Drug Resistant) is also available in our state. Since the launching of the facility on January 24, 2012, 425 persons have been confirmed as MDR Cases. CBNAAT (Cartridge based Nucleic Acid Amplifications test) machine is used for detecting MDR cases within a very short time of two hours. Earlier according to the conventional method it used to take at least 2/3 months.
In Nagaland, CBNAAT lab is located in Kohima, Dimapur, Mokokchung and Mon. The machine is now used to test special cases like Pediatric TB, TB in PLHIV, Extra Pulmonary TB etc. Patients will now have access to this modern facility for Diagnoses and treatment free of cost.
A press note informed that the programme was chaired by the school authorities at both the schools while the introductory remark was made by Temjenochetla Ao PPM Co-ordinator and Thungchanbeni State IEC Officer. Gift packets were distributed to all the students at the end.
