Kohima district reviews TB and HIV control measures

A joint meeting of the Kohima District TB Forum, District AIDS Prevention and Control Committee, and the District Community Resource Group was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall on June 13, 2025, to review progress and reinforce strategies for TB and HIV control.
A DIPR report informed that Deputy Commissioner B. Henok Buchem, chaired the meeting and shared a personal reflection from his time at the secretariat during the first wave of COVID-19. He recalled being hospitalized in the ICU for 15 days and spoke about the hope and healing brought by healthcare workers, emphasizing their vital role in recovery. He urged stakeholders to treat their work not just as a job but as a mission to serve the community.
Dr. Chibenthung Kithan, District TB Officer, presented an update on the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP), which aims to eliminate TB in India by 2025. Kohima district has reported 613 TB cases in FY 2024–25, with an 84% treatment success rate. He highlighted the importance of early diagnosis, free testing, treatment services, and nutritional support under the Nikshay Poshan Yojana.
Initiatives such as Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and TB Mukt Panchayat Abhiyan have been launched to increase awareness and community participation. A total of 240 TB patients have received additional support through Nikshay Mitras, and 12 villages have been declared TB-free.
Sentimongla Tzudir, District Program Officer (DAPCU), provided an overview of HIV and AIDS programs under the DISHA strategy by NACO. In FY 2024–25, 13,700 people were tested for HIV in Kohima, and 236 tested positive. Awareness programs have been conducted in schools, colleges, villages, and district jail, along with campaigns during the Hornbill Festival. Kohima remains a high-priority district, with an adult HIV prevalence rate of 1.432% as per India HIV Estimates 2023.
The District Community Resource Group (CRG) discussed efforts to reduce stigma and improve services for people living with HIV. Recommendations were made to issue awareness circulars to government departments on HIV, STI, TB, and related laws. A request was also raised for nutritional support from ICDS for children affected by HIV, with nine infected and 55 affected children in the district.
A TB champion shared her experience of overcoming TB with support from the District TB Centre, stressing the importance of early diagnosis, community support, and free medication. Her story highlighted that stigma can be overcome through collective efforts.
The meeting reinforced the commitment to strengthening TB and HIV interventions in Kohima district and called for collaborative efforts to improve healthcare outreach.