Expressing concern over “high rate” of Tuberculosis (TB) diseases in Nagaland, deputy commissioner (DC) and chairperson, District TB Forum (DTBF) Kohima, Shanavas C said there was a need for “proper mechanisms” to fight the disease.
According to a DIPR report, Shanavas said that in the state there was a “need for proper mechanisms, and representatives in the villages, where there is a lack of awareness, which is a major concern”. He then urged all the stakeholders to coordinate the effort of various departments to eliminate TB by 2025.
Addressing the DTBF Kohima meeting on September 26 at the Conference Hall of DC Kohima office, Shanavas said the TB campaign calls for social movements focused on patient-centric and holistic care driven by integrated actions for TB-Free India.
He said that the meeting should not remain just a meeting but should have proper follow-up and a review meeting every time so that the discussion and strategies should reach out at the grass root level.
Highlighting the objectives of TB Forum State TB Cell, NTEP, Director of H&FW, Thungchanbeni M. Humtsoe said that the main objectives of TB forum are to engage with policymakers and implementers to ensure justice, rights, and dignity of TB patients for effective service delivery; to supplement and complement government initiatives to enforce; TB patient-friendly law, policy, and programmes; to reduce stigma and discrimination and ensure social security of TB patients, survivors, and their families; to improve awareness on various government schemes, provisions, facilities available for TB patients and to improve treatment literacy and adherence among TB patients and to engage in evidence-based advocacy with the stakeholders to expand services.
TB scenario in Kohima District was presented by District TB Officer, Kohima, Dr. Chibenthung Kithan while presentation on TB scenario was given by Kohima District TB Officer, Kohima. TB Champion/survivor testimony was shared by Keduseto Kintso, presentation on HIV & AIDS, Kohima district was delivered by Sentimongla Tzudir, District Program Officer, -Dap M, District AIDS Prevention & Control Unit, Kohima and a vote of thanks by member secretary, district TB Forum, Kohima.
