World Tuberculosis Day 2025 was marked by a significant milestone in Kohima, as twelve villages were recognized for their outstanding efforts in combating tuberculosis (TB), standing out among 58 villages in the region. With the vision of becoming the first 100% TB-free district, this achievement sets a strong example for others to follow.
Addressing the gathering at the event in Kohima on 24th March 2025, Deputy Commissioner Kohima, B. Henok Buchem, NCS, congratulated the villages and emphasized the importance of sustained commitment. He stated that the responsibility of eliminating TB does not rest solely on the government or medical professionals, but is a collective effort in which every individual and every village has a role to play.
The Deputy Commissioner 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.
Reflecting on his personal connection to healthcare, Buchem shared a deeply moving story about his late mother, a devoted nurse who dedicated her life to serving patients. Despite her own health struggles, she remained committed to her calling, ultimately passing away while caring for a patient. He expressed how her sacrifice shaped his perspective on service, reinforcing his belief that it is not just a job but a mission and a higher purpose. He urged the gathering to recognize that the impact of their efforts today may not always be immediately visible, but they will transform lives for generations to come. He emphasized that God blesses the generations that follow, and the sacrifices made today will create a healthier and stronger future.
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 is entirely 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. Growing up in Mokokchung, she recalled how TB patients were treated with fear and isolation, often kept at a distance even after recovery. She shared how such stigma led to misconceptions and discrimination against TB patients, but through education and awareness, she came to understand that TB is both preventable and treatable. She believes that more than just providing nutrition, spreading awareness is essential, as engaging in such initiatives allows people to become advocates for change. Since taking on this role, she has personally supported multiple TB patients, ensuring they complete their six-month treatment regimen. Her message to TB patients was clear: no matter what people say, they must prioritize their health, seek medical attention, complete their treatment, and not stop halfway, because TB is curable and early detection is key.
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 recognition highlights the community’s collective commitment to eradicating TB and fostering healthier villages. 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.
The event, held at the DC Conference Hall in Kohima, brought together various stakeholders, medical professionals, NGOs, and community leaders in the shared mission to end TB. With continued commitment, investment, and action, the vision of a TB-free world by 2030 remains within reach.
(Molungnenla, IA Kohima)
