The State Tuberculosis Forum meeting was held at IDSP Conference Hall at the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Kohima on Tuesday.
Commissioner & Secretary (H&FW) in his opening remark emphasized on the target which India has set the target of 2025 to eliminate TB and stressed on 25-month timeline which was left and highlighting the need for a strategic approach if the state was to meet the deadline.
He stated that the reliance was now on experts to craft a viable solution and crucial steps including relocating True NET are required as figures fall below the national average.
WHO consultant, Dr. Collins Z Sono, while presenting the 2022 estimates of the Tuberculosis (TB) burden, highlighted that the worldwide incidence of TB cases reached 10.6 million. In the context of India, he informed that this figure was 2.8 million, accounting for 26% of the global burden. Moreover, when considering children with TB, the percentage in the Indian scenario was 24.6%.
He also highlighted the objective of The TB Forum which aimed to actively collaborate with policymakers and implementers to enhance service delivery, advocating for justice, rights, and dignity of TB patients. Dr. Collins added that the forum also seeks to support and enhance government efforts in implementing TB patient-friendly laws, policies, and programs, while working towards the reduction of stigma and discrimination, ensuring social security for TB patients, survivors, and their families.
In the sideline of the programme, WHO consultant, Dr. Collins informed this correspondent that about less than 4000 cases were reported annually in the state, translating to approximately 363 cases per month and roughly 90.75 cases diagnosed weekly.
In terms of reference, the TB Forum includes providing guidance on strategies to engage communities affected by TB and enhance their participation in the programme through network formation. Additionally, the forum aims to regularly assess the progress of community network involvement, advocate for improved health services by addressing the concerns and needs of TB patients, and push for equitable access to quality, accurate information.
TB champion, Rudisula also shared her testimony of her experiences and presented some queries to the concerned authorities. State TB officer, (NTEP), Dr. Vezokholu presented on securing political dedication from elected representatives and initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (PMTBMBA), the TB Mukt Panchayat Initiative, and TB Champions’ involvement in the NTEP.
Delivering the meeting minutes/action taken report by assistant programme officer, Dr. Apichetia Amer, shared on the addressed issues such as the absence of counselling and motivational assistance for TB patients, the support provided by the community to those with TB, community engagement, and the awareness efforts directed at elected representatives. Action points and initiatives for each of these concerns were thoroughly deliberated and presented.