World Tuberculosis (TB) Day is observed annually on March 24 to spread awareness about the global TB epidemic and the ongoing efforts to eradicate it.
The day marks a significant milestone in medical history, as it commemorates Dr Robert Koch’s discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in 1882, the bacteria responsible for tuberculosis.
Kohima
In Kohima, on the occasion, 12 villages were recognized for their outstanding efforts in combating tuberculosis (TB). According to DIPR report, with the vision of becoming the first 100% TB-free district, this achievement sets a strong example for others to follow.
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Commissioner Kohima, B. Henok Buchem, congratulated the villages and emphasized the importance of sustained commitment. He said that the responsibility of eliminating TB does not rest solely on the government or medical professionals, but a collective effort in which every individual and every village has a role to play.
He urged every village to take inspiration from the twelve recognized villages and commit to making their communities TB-free. He expressed his hope that by next year, more villages will join this fight and take the necessary steps to eliminate TB.
With the theme “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver,” the event served as both a celebration of progress and a renewed call to action. District Tuberculosis Officer, Dr. Chibenthung Kithan, stressed the urgency of acting now, reminding everyone that TB remains the deadliest infectious disease but was curable with timely intervention. He urged the community to join hands and work together to eliminate TB.
As part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, the Nikshay Mitra initiative encourages community support for TB patients through nutritional, vocational, or diagnostic assistance.
One such committed Nikshay Mitra is Joint Director, Department of Veterinary & Animal Husbandry, Dr. Amenla Walling, who has consistently supported TB patients. Under the TB Mukt Panchayat initiative, villages meeting specific TB-free criteria receive a certificate and a Mahatma Gandhi statue on World TB Day, with the statue colors signifying the duration of TB-free status.
This year, Seiyha Phesa was awarded the silver statue, while eleven other villages received the bronze statue in recognition of their efforts to eliminate TB.
The recognized villages included Mezo Basa, Tseisema Bawe, Gariphema Bawe, Tuophe Phezou, Tseimekhuma Bawe, Seiyhama, New Terogvunyu, Z. Likwenchu, Tsonsa, Sewanu, and New Tesophenyu.
The event also featured a testimonial from TB champion Keneivonuo, who shared her personal experience with the disease, reinforcing the message that TB is curable but awareness and action are crucial.
Dimapur
DIMAPUR: The World Tuberculosis Day cum DAPCC and Vertical Programs Meeting under the theme “Yes, We Can End TB! Commit, Invest, Deliver” at CMO conference hall, Dimapur.
Speaking as the special guest, Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur, Dr. Tinojungshi Chang, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicate Tuberculosis (TB) in the region. He emphasized that the government was ready to support efforts in combating the disease and highlighted the role of 19 villages as key touch points in extending TB awareness and prevention measures to other communities.
Dr. Chang informed that TB can be eliminated with collective efforts at the grassroots level. He urged the Village Development Boards (VDBs) and Village Councils to actively participate in the fight against TB by ensuring awareness, early detection, and access to treatment.
Chief Medical Officer of Dimapur, Dr. T. Temsu Lkr, emphasizing the need for continued investment and commitment to eradicating TB, urged the public to give support in every way possible and to cooperate with them to eliminate this disease and malaria.
The program commenced with a welcome address by Chief Medical Officer Chumoukedima, Dr. Yartenla Jamir, followed by a felicitation ceremony recognizing TB Muk Panchayat (TB-free villages) Awards and the presentation of appreciation certificates to dedicated healthcare staff.
Presentations on vertical programs, including NTEP (National Tuberculosis Elimination Program), NVBDCP (National Vector Borne Disease Control Program), and DISHA, highlighted on-going efforts in disease prevention and control. A moving testimony from Monica, a TB champion, shed light on the challenges faced by TB patients and their journey toward recovery.
A special segment was dedicated to TB patients, allowing them to share their experiences in five-minute sessions. The program concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Orenthung from DIS DISHA, acknowledging the contributions of healthcare workers and stakeholders in the fight against tuberculosis. The programme was chaired by Dr. A. Kavito Zhimomi, DPO CD-1.
Wokha
WOKHA: Wokha district observed World Tuberculosis (TB) Day at the Deputy Commissioner’s (DC) Conference Hall, focusing on raising awareness, encouraging early treatment, and highlighting the district’s progress in TB elimination.
As part of the initiative, a verification process was conducted under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP) guidelines, identifying 34 villages under Wokha as TB-free for 2024. Additionally, six villages- Longsachung, Okheyan, Sankiton, Selukvu, Bhandari Village, and Mekirang Village were awarded silver status, signifying that they have maintained TB-free status for two consecutive years.
Deputy Commissioner and District TB Forum president Vineet Kumar commended the village councils for their cooperation. He encouraged villages that achieved bronze status to strive for silver and gold and work towards eradicating TB.
Kumar reiterated that TB can affect anyone and urged the public to not discriminate against patients. He stressed the importance of community support and also highlighted on the government’s provision of six months of nutritional aid to TB patients.
He said that TB can sometimes be asymptomatic and, if left untreated, can be fatal. He urged people to undergo timely treatment and encouraged them to get regular TB screenings for early detection and prevention. He also called for collaborative efforts to achieve the World Health Organization’s (WHO) target of eliminating TB by 2030.
DTO Wokha, Dr. Akum Jamir, highlighted the stigma and discrimination associated with TB in the past but emphasized that with proper care and medication, TB has become curable. He also said that a 100-day TB elimination campaign was conducted, which included free X-ray screenings in various villages. A TB champion/ cured TB patient shared his testimony, detailing his journey of overcoming the disease.
Mokokchung
MOKOKCHUNG: Along with the rest of the world, the World TB Day was observed at Mokokchung, under the aegis of National Tuberculosis Elimination Program, office of the District TB Centre Mokokchung.
Delivering keynote address, Dr. Toshimenla Jamir, District Tuberculosis Office highlighted the amplifying need and urgency to eradicate and end TB in the country.
She said TB largely remains as an epidemic especially in developing countries, noting that concerted efforts are needed from all stakeholders to eradicate TB. Short speeches were delivered by ADC Mokokchung Chumlamo Humtsoe and Imyapangla, Project Director DRDA Mokokchung.
The program also witnessed the presentation of certificates and mementos to ‘TB Mukt Panchayat’ where two villages under Mokokchung district received the award for TB free village, namely Mekuli and Aosetsu villages respectively.
The two village council chairman also extended their appreciation. The program concluded with the vote of thanks by Dr. Medemmayang SMO, DRTB Centre.
Zunheboto
Zunheboto: Chief Medical Officer, Zunheboto, observed the day highlighting the collective efforts required to eradicate tuberculosis (TB) and reinforced the global and national commitment to end TB by 2030.
The program was graced by Rahul Bhabudas Mali, Deputy Commissioner, Zunheboto, as special guest and was chaired by Anatoli K. Kiba, STS.
Delivering address, Rahul Bhabudas Mali provided key statistics, mentioning that Nagaland has 3,843 TB cases, while India records 28 lakh new cases annually, with Zunheboto currently having ten reported cases. He emphasized early detection as the most effective measure in combating TB and saving lives.
Dr. H. Mlato Shikhu, District TB Officer (DTO), Zunheboto, elaborated on the theme, and explained the different types of TB, including active TB and white TB, emphasizing the latter as a major cause of undetected TB-related deaths.
Ketho Angami, president of ARK Foundation, spoke on the importance of TB response from private healthcare providers. He emphasized that TB was an airborne disease and stressed the need for greater awareness to curb its rapid spread. He also shared the challenges faced by TB response teams in reaching every village.
Dr. Antoly Suu, deputy chief medical officer, Zunheboto, addressed the gathering, informing that TB was preventable, curable, and treatable. She highlighted the need to eliminate stigma and discrimination surrounding TB, urging communities to support affected individuals openly.
To encourage TB elimination efforts, she felicitated Natha New, Pughoboto, and Shichimi villages for achieving TB-free status under Zunheboto District. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Akavi N. Yeptho, PMDT Supervisor, NTEP, Zunheboto.
Longleng
LONGLENG: Medical department Longleng observed the World Tuberculosis Day at VCC and VDB conference hall, Longleng.
EAC Longleng, Pipfusa Pojar, in her short speech said, the theme reminded everyone to share equal responsibilities to eradicate the disease from the district, state and nation, which is a goal set by the Government of India.
Tuberculosis is one of the deadliest infectious disease, recognising this challenge the Government of India has initiated various programs and initiatives to eradication the disease from the nation, she said.
Pojar also said the district administration was fully committed to make Longleng TB free and to achieve the goal, it needed the active participation of all stakeholders. She also called on the gathering to break the stigma associated with Tuberculosis, and create an environment where every individual receives the support, care and dignity that they deserve.
DPO Dr. Temsusashi, delivered the keynote address while awareness on TB was shared by Senior Treatment Specialist (STS), Tongang. Short speeches were also delivered by Yingli Mission Society Longleng and TB Champion.
EAC Longleng, Pipfusa Pojar, gave away the presentation to the TB Mukt Panchayat and CMO Longleng Dr. Tiasunep, gave away the best performing ASHA awards. The programme was chaired by PMDT Supervisor, Meribeni while vote of thanks was delivered by TB Health Visitor, Henmei Phom.
Peren
PEREN: NTEP, Peren observed World TB Day at Athibung PHC , Peren.
In a press release District Media Officer, CMO Office, Peren informed that DTO, Peren, Dr. Keholi Sema, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the significance of TB Day in raising awareness and efforts to end the global epidemic.
She shared information on early warning signs, symptoms, and the importance of early detection, as well as details about the Designated Microscopy Centre in Peren district.
In his address, special guest SDO (Civil),Athibung, Sulanthung, emphasized the responsibility of every citizen in creating awareness about TB. He encouraged the gathering to prioritize health and adopt a healthy lifestyle, highlighting the availability of advanced medical facilities. He also announced that the Hospital Adoption Committee would sponsor Nikshay Mitra for every diagnosed TB patient in the Athibung block.
Other highlights of the program included, ANM, Khelma HWC, Yiputpungle, shared her experience on the challenges of TB campaign, TB Champion, John, shared about overcoming TB and Beisumpuiram, Khelma, Nkiolodi, Lower Sinjol, Saijang, Lilen and Lilen B villages were declared TB free villages and awarded with certificates and bronze momentos
Earlier, the program was chaired by STS, Kengimngaule, welcome address by MO, Athibung PHC, Dr. Vezokholü, invocation by senior pastor, KCC Athibung, Rev. K. Singsit and vote of thanks by Namziu Thou. Free IEC materials were distributed on the day.
Mon
MON: District Health Society Mon under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme, observed World TB Day at the conference hall of District Hospital, Mon.
Delivering welcome address, Dr. Supongmenla Walling described the 100-day intensive campaign Nikshay Shivir, which was launched by the Deputy Commissioner and how the program has accelerated in progress.
The entire NTEP team visited each village and uncovered multiple positive cases, she added. She also announced that 26 villages in Mon district have been labeled as TB free villages, and the central has presented them with a certificate and a monument of Mahatma Gandhi.
Dr. Wungyong Konyak DPO (RCH&UIP) discussed the history, symptoms, and treatment of tuberculosis as well as where to get the treatment.
Manpong, chairman Sowa Changle and Manjah Konyak, chairman, Chingdang Village expressed gratitude for being recognised as the TB-free village.
Noklak
NOKLAK: World Tuberculosis Day was observed at Chief Medical Officer Conference Hall Noklak. Speaking as special guest, Deputy Commissioner Noklak, Arikumba said, Tuberculosis was an old disease and the whole world was observing it to completely eradicate the disease.
He said that, being the administrator of the district, it was his duty to bring the required medical facilities to the hospital. He urged the gathering to give support to the medical department for successful completion of the mission. He also assured that the Noklak DPDB members will extend financial support to the TB patients who are in need of financial support.
CMO Noklak, Dr. Victor NC in his keynote address shared on the symptoms of Tuberculosis disease and roots causes of infections. He said TB medicine and treatment is provided free of cost by the government.
He, therefore, encouraged all the citizens to come forward to the hospital and get treatment. He added that TB was 100% curable. Dr. Victor NC also received award of appreciation certificate from the Deputy Commissioner for his adoption of two TB patients.
Presentation of nutritional supplementation to the adopted TB patients was carried out by the CMO, SP and Deputy Commissioner.
Phek
PHEK: National Tubeculosis Elimination Program (NTEP) Phek District observed World TB Day at Dr. Wethselo T Mero Memorial hall, DH Phek with John Tsulise Sangtam Deputy Commissioner Phek as the guest speaker.
Felicitation ceremony was held during which Dr Chitale Heise CMO, Phek handed over the award to Dr. Pritpal Kaur Batra SP Phek for her exceptional contribution as a Nikshay Mitra (2024-25) and to Vevosalu Rhakho GNM CHC Chozuba for best DOTs Provider.
On the occasion, 32 TB Free villages was recognized (22 Silver 10 Bronze) for maintaining its position as the highest in the state for achieving TB-free status for the second time.
TUENSANG
TUENSANG: Along with the rest of the World, Tuensang district observed World Tuberculosis Day at Town Hall Tuensang with Deputy Commissioner Tuensang, Lithrongla Tongpi Rutsa as special guest.
Speaking on the occasion, DC appreciated the TB champion of Tuensang for coming up to share his story, which was an eye opener for the society in fighting TB. She highlighted that India Target for elimination of TB is 2025, whereas Tuensang District detect 251 TB in past one year which was a concerned for the district.
She urged the public, NGOs and government employees to come forward in contributing for the nutrition of the TB patient in the district. Other highlights of the programme included keynote address by SMO DH Tuensang, Dr. Alemba R Jamir; Yes We can by Hanso TB Champion; Drama by TTBL and presentation of Mitra certificate. The programme was chaired by Changsang Yanchu while vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Imlinaro DPD (CD-II).