A joint meeting of the Kohima District TB Forum, District AIDS Prevention and Control Committee, and the District Community Resource Group was held on 13th June 2025 at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall, Kohima. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Commissioner B. Henok Buchem, NCS, who shared a personal reflection from his time at the Secretariat during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. He recalled his experience of being on public duty during that time he contracted COVID-19 and was admitted to the ICU for 15 days. Reflecting on the emotional toll of that experience, he spoke about the profound sense of hope and healing brought by healthcare workers, underscoring the vital role played by medical professionals in both physical and emotional recovery. He encouraged all stakeholders to continue their work not just as a profession, but as a mission to serve the community.
Dr. Chibenthung Kithan, District TB Officer, gave an overview of the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) and its goal to eliminate tuberculosis in India by 2025. He highlighted the importance of early diagnosis, free testing and treatment services, and nutritional support provided under the Nikshay Poshan Yojana. Kohima district has so far notified 613 TB cases for FY 2024–25, with an 84% treatment success rate. The district has also implemented initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and the TB Mukt Panchayat Abhiyan to promote community participation and raise awareness. A total of 240 TB patients have received additional support through Nikshay Mitras (community donors), and 12 villages have been declared TB-free.
Sentimongla Tzudir, District Program Officer, DAPCU, presented the district’s HIV/AIDS response under the DISHA strategy developed by NACO. Kohima district currently manages services through multiple facilities including ICTCs, ART centres, and OST clinics. In FY 2024–25, over 13,700 clients were tested, and 236 individuals tested HIV positive. Awareness and outreach activities were conducted in schools, colleges, villages, and even the district jail, along with campaigns during the Hornbill Festival. Despite progress, Kohima remains a high-priority district as per India HIV Estimates 2023, with an adult HIV prevalence rate of 1.432%.
The District Community Resource Group (CRG) was also discussed, emphasizing its role in addressing community-level issues, reducing stigma, and strengthening service delivery through representation from high-risk groups and people living with HIV. Recommendations were made to issue circulars to government departments for inter-departmental awareness sessions on HIV, STI, TB, and related laws. A request was also raised for nutritional support from ICDS for children affected and infected by HIV, with current data showing nine infected and 55 affected children in Kohima.
The meeting also saw a powerful testimonial from a TB champion who shared her journey of overcoming TB with the support of the District TB Centre, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis, community support, and access to free medication and nutritional aid. Her story served as a reminder that stigma can be overcome when communities work together to fight diseases like TB and HIV.
(Molungnenla, IA Kohima)
