Along with the rest of the world, Nagaland observed World Tuberculosis (TB) Day 2026 on March 24 under the theme “Yes! We Can End TB; Led by Bharat, Powered by Janbhagidari.” Programmes were held across districts with the launch of the 100 Days TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan campaign and felicitation of TB-free villages under the TB Mukt Panchayat initiative.
KOHIMA: In Kohima, the District Tuberculosis Elimination Programme and NHM Nagaland organized the event at the DC Conference Hall. Deputy Commissioner and chairman of the District TB Forum, B. Henok Buchem, encouraged continued commitment towards achieving TB-free status, stressing awareness, early detection, and completion of treatment. He noted that TB has claimed an estimated one billion lives globally and urged village leaders to cooperate during screenings. Certificates and Mahatma Gandhi statues were awarded to 22 villages, including Seiyha Phesa village which received the Gold recognition. In another programme organised at the State College of Teacher Education, Kohima by National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) highlighted the State’s commitment to ending TB through early detection, treatment, prevention, and community participation.
Mission Director Dr. Keveduyi Theyo, in his address, explained that TB is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and spreads through respiratory droplets. He noted that an untreated patient can infect 10 or more people in a year, stressing the importance of early diagnosis and quality treatment. Medical Officer Dr. Swuduvelu, in the thematic message, emphasized that ending TB requires strong leadership, investment, innovation, and multisectoral collaboration. He said the 2026 theme reflects a shift towards actionable strategies led by countries and powered by communities, urging stakeholders to unite in the fight against TB.
State TB Officer Dr. Akum Jamir presented an overview of TB and NTEP, recalling India’s commitment to eliminate TB by 2030 under the Sustainable Development Goals. He highlighted initiatives such as the TB Free India Campaign launched in 2018, the TB Harega Desh Jeetega campaign in 2019, and patient support schemes including Nikshay Poshan Yojana, which provides RS. 1000 per month for nutritional support during treatment.
He stressed the importance of notification of all TB cases and collaborative efforts across government, civil society, and communities.
The programme was chaired by State IEC Officer Thungchanbeni M. Humtsoe, with invocation by State PPM Coordinator Temjenochetla Ao and welcome address by Vice-Principal SCTE-K Dr. Runi Nakro. IEC materials were distributed by Assistant Programme Officer Dr. Apichetla Amer.
WOKHA: At Wokha, the programme was held at the DC’s Conference Hall with DC Vineet Kumar, as special guest. He emphasized discipline in treatment and early detection. 37 achievers were felicitated, including two gold achievers—Mekirang and Okhaeyan villages—eight silver, and 27 bronze.
The event also marked the launch of the 100 Days TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan campaign.
PHEK: In Phek, World TB Day was observed at the DC Conference Hall with DC Rhosietho Nguori encouraging villages to strive for TB-free status. DTO Dr. Ebenezer Phesao highlighted TB as preventable and curable.
A total of 26 villages were recognized—15 gold, eight silver, and three bronze. The 100 Days TB campaign was digitally launched to intensify door-to-door case finding, especially among vulnerable populations. TB Champions Ketholeno Cho-o and Chuletho Joshoury were also felicitated.
Mokokchung: At Mokokchung, the programme was held at the CMO Conference Hall. EAC Chubamongla urged NGOs and village councils to support the Medical department in strengthening initiatives. DTO Dr. R. Toshimenla Jamir emphasized the global significance of World TB Day and the need for sustained commitments and active community participation. Certificates and mementos were presented to three villages—Mekuli (silver), Kelingmen (bronze), and Moalenden (bronze). The programme concluded with the launch of the 100 Days TB campaign aimed at increasing case detection and reducing TB deaths.
Zunheboto: In Zunheboto, the District Health Society organized the programme at the Chief Medical Office. Deputy Commissioner Dharam Raj, graced the event as special guest. Awards were presented to TB-free villages—Pughoboto and Shichimi (silver), and Asukhuto, Lumithsami, and Shotomi (bronze). TB survivors shared testimonies, while DTO Dr. H. Mlato Shikhu emphasized early detection, adherence to treatment, and proper nutrition.
MON: In Mon, the programme was held at the DC’s Conference Hall with ADC Pakon Phom as special guest. Certificates were awarded to villages across blocks including Lampong Wakching, Laokhun, Shangsa, Goching, Apao Chang, and Changlo. Nikshay Mitra awards were also presented to donors supporting TB patients. DTO Dr. Ngopelo Keviechu traced the history of TB control in India, highlighting the DOTS strategy and current efforts under the National TB Elimination Programme. He stressed collective responsibility, remarking, “TB anywhere is TB everywhere.” ADC Mon, Pakon Phom, expressed appreciation to the Medical Department for organizing the programme and for recognizing the efforts of individuals, volunteers, and villages contributing to the TB Mukt Bharat campaign.
DIMAPUR: In Dimapur, the District Tuberculosis Centre observed the day at Hotel Saramati in collaboration with DISHA. DC Dr. Tinojongshi Chang, urged communities to remove stigma and support TB patients, noting that TB is curable with timely detection and treatment.
CMO Dimapur, Dr. T. Yetovi Tuccu, in his welcome address, reiterated the importance of community participation in eliminating tuberculosis. He noted that the government has invested heavily by providing free testing, medicines, and nutritional support, while communities must spread awareness and remove stigma attached to TB patients.
Dr. Tuccu emphasized early detection and timely treatment as the key to cure TB, pointing out that India accounts for 25% of global TB cases, with over three lakh deaths annually and more than 20 lakh new detections each year. He stressed that TB is preventable through vaccination and 100% curable if detected and treated on time.
Eleven villages were felicitated, including Ahozhe, Ghokito, and Khamkaria (silver), while eight villages received bronze recognition. The 100 Days TB campaign was launched, covering 55 high-risk villages and vulnerable groups.