An Awareness cum Screening Programme on TB was conducted at the Conference Hall of the Deputy Commissioner’s office, Kohima, as part of the 100-day TB campaign under the TB Mukt Bharat initiative. The campaign aims to accelerate efforts in identifying undiagnosed cases, reducing TB-related deaths, and preventing new infections through a stratified implementation strategy.
Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, Kumar Ramnikant, IAS delivered the keynote address emphasizing the urgent need for increased awareness about tuberculosis (TB). Describing TB as a “silent killer” that remains undetected without proper testing, he highlighted that while the disease is curable, a lack of awareness continues to hinder its eradication. He urged attendees to take an active role in spreading awareness, stating, “Taking a pledge has no meaning unless each of us ensures that information reaches our family, friends, and neighbours. Only through collective determination can we eliminate TB.”
District TB Officer, Dr. Chibenthung Kithan, in his address, described TB as a major public health challenge. He noted that one untreated TB patient can infect up to 10 people in a year and that India has the highest estimated TB burden in the world. Explaining the two types of TB-Pulmonary and Extra-Pulmonary, he underscored the importance of early detection and treatment. He also informed that the 100-day TB campaign was launched in Nagaland on December 7, with TB screening camps and awareness programs being conducted in villages, urban wards, and government offices.
Dr. Chiben also spoke about the Nikshay Mitra initiative, which encourages community participation in supporting TB patients. Under this initiative, donors, known as Nikshay Mitras, adopt TB patients to provide nutritional support, help reduce stigma, and ease their financial burden during treatment. The initiative aims to increase societal involvement in the fight against TB, ensuring that patients receive adequate care and support.
Asserting that community participation is crucial and urging to join hands to eliminate TB together, he reiterated that the medical department alone cannot succeed in eliminating TB and called for collective action.
The program was attended by all officers and staff of the Deputy Commissioner’s office. As part of the event, a free TB testing camp was organized for all attendees.
(Molungnenla IA Kohima)
