Mokokchung, March 26 (MExN): World Tuberculosis Day was observed in Mokokchung under the theme, ‘WANTED: Leaders for a TB Free World’ at IMDH hall with Dr SS Akaba Longchar, Chief Medical Officer, Mokokchung as the guest of honour.
In his speech, Dr Akaba gave a clarion call to the NGOs, medical fraternity and social workers gathered at the programme to unite and work together to end TB in the district and the state, informed a press release. He said India is committed to eliminate TB by 2025, adding TB is 100% curable and so proper awareness needs to be taken up to disseminate this information.
Giving a brief report on the activities and performance of RNTCP, Dr M Imyangluba, District Tuberculosis Officer said TB has become one of the highest killer diseases not only in India but the entire world. He blamed low priority given to the disease, inadequate funding for research works to get more information about the disease as some of the leading factors why the disease has spread wide.
He enlightened the participants that TB is a communicable disease spread through cough, spitting by an infected person which could infect anyone without age limit. TB, he stated, is not only a family problem but a social problem, which could be prevented through their active cooperation.
Health personnel and political leaders alone cannot achieve the target but requires the contributions from all walks of life because TB is a public health concern, the doctor added. He went on to state that awareness campaign and an informed public will help in the effective application of the preventive measures.
He also maintained that uninterrupted supply of good quality medicine and a strong political will of the state in combating this disease will be a game changer and will go a long way to wipe the disease from our land.
