CHAI project AXSHYA in collaboration with RNTCP and VIHAAN CSC Tuensang observed the World TB Day with the theme “UNITE TO END TB” on March 24 at Tuensang town, with additional deputy commissioner Tuensang, T. Nchumbemo Odyuo as guest speaker.
ADC stressed that TB was now curable and its treatment was free of cost and asked the public with TB symptoms if any to access the existing facilities so as to live life free from TB.
He also urged the gathering to extend support and cooperation to the NGOs and TB department staff and unite all to fight against one of the killer disease.
State project officer from Axshya Project, Kyupise Sangtam emphasised on the need to be equipped with the basic TB lessons and clearly sensitized the gathering on TB and its symptoms. He said that cough for two month could mean a TB, evening rise of temperature or sweats at night, loss of weight and loss of appetite, chest pain and shortness of breath could all be symptoms of TB.
CMO Tuensang Dr. T. Pangjung delivered welcome address, district TB officer Tuensang, Dr. Yanbo Kithan shared on the significance of the day and Tuensang district TB scenario. He said that TB case detection and cured rate was almost crossing the national target which meant that TB burden in the district was coming down. He said all these were contributed by Project Axshya and other NGOs in the district. Cured TB patient Tainiu shared her life testimony on how she had completed her dots for 6 months and now living life free from TB.
Special number was presented by the school of nursing students and BYE youth from police Baptist Church Tuensang.
In commemoration of the occasion, signature campaign was organized and CHAI Project Axshya team visited the district jail and conducted TB awareness with the Jail inmates. 19 prisoners were sensitized on TB and its treatment courses and shared them about the facilities available in the four blocks of Tuensang district for TB diagnosis.
LONGLENG: Longleng District observed the occasion at Hukphang village attended by village chairman, GBs, ASHAs, church members and school children.
DTO (RNTCP) Dr. Lanuchuba gave the keynote address focusing on the theme where he encouraged the participants to involve in the fight against TB because it was one of the most infectious diseases in the world causing the maximum number of deaths but curable and preventable disease if treated on time.
A life testimony was given by a cured patient where, he spoke about his recovery and encouraged those at risk to get diagnosed early provided by the department free of cost.
An interactive session was also held with the participants where they clarify their doubts to understand the importance and how to improve their health.
The programme included various agendas like awareness on TB given by STS Tongang Phom. DOTs Plus /TB Hiv supervisor, Meribeni Khuvung highlighted on the cure rate, signs and symptoms of TB and also gave a brief presentation on the district scenario on TB, activities carried out in the district.
The programme was chaired by Niamla Phom and invocation was delivered by women pastor Hukpang Baptist Church Longleng, I. Pongtan Phom. Vote of thanks was pronounced by the council chairman Hukphang village and free distribution of first aid medicines and IEC materials were given to the villagers.
MOKOKCHUNG: CHAI Project Axshya (TB Project) launched 15 Axshya model villages in three districts of Mokokchung, Mon and Tuensang and TB awareness campaign with the village stakeholders comprised of village council members, village health & sanitation committee, active SHGs, village youth and women organizations has been all round the interior villages.