The National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) conducted capacity building workshop for management of Drug-Resistant TB and annual review meeting from February 11 to 13, at the IDSP Conference Hall, DH&FW.
In a press release by State Programme Officer (NTEP), Directorate of Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Vezokholu Theyo informed that the event, Mission Director (NHM), Dr. Akuo Sorhie, emphasized the objectives of managing DRTB, including sharing evidence-based recommendations and experiences from national and global studies on the new 6-month shorter Oral BPaLM regimen for treating MDR-TB.
She also highlighted the importance of building the capacity of health providers and stakeholders on the “Guidelines for the management of MDR-TB.
The workshop covered various topics, including global evidence on efficacy and safety, operational research, and the programmatic scale-up of BPaLM. It also discussed Indian evidence on the modified BPaL trial, treatment of MDR/RR-TB patients with new shorter regimens (BPaLM Shorter/Longer), eligibility and exclusion criteria, regimen composition, duration, dosing, and modifications.
Additionally, the management of special situations (children, pregnant/lactating women, and co-morbidities) and case scenarios on DRTB management were also addressed.
During the annual review meeting, Dr. Collins Z Sono, WHO Medical Consultant, highlighted the 2024 performance of the TB program across all districts. Longleng district screened over 4,130 presumptive TB cases, followed by Mon district with more than 2,752 screenings. He encouraged districts to increase TB screening, emphasizing its importance as a key program indicator.
During the meeting, Dr. Sono mentioned that in 2024, the notification achievement was 80%. Districts like Mon, Dimapur, Kiphire, and Mokokchung performed above average, while some districts needed improvement.
The success rate was 85%, and the HIV known status for TB patients was 94%. TPT & CyTB, Advocacy Communication & Social Mobilization, TB Mukt Panchayat, and Differentiated TB Care were key topics highlighted. Dr. Akum Jamir and Dr. Chibenthung Kithan, DTOs of Wokha and Kohima, respectively, shared their experiences from the 100-Day Ni-kshay Shivir Campaign.
Earlier, the program was chaired by State TB Officer, Dr. VezokholuTheyo, vote of thanks by Assistant Programme Officer (NTEP), Dr. Apichetla Amer.