Month-long ACF campaign of Tuberculosis
101 clients belonging to socially vulnerable group screened for TB
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 31 2023: The month-long active case finding (ACF) campaign of Tuberculosis (TB) among socially vulnerable groups which started on January 12 under the joint initiative of Community Network for Empowerment (CoNE) and the State TB Cell, Manipur, concluded today at the Band of Hope Alcohol and substance Abuse Treatment cum Research Centre, Wangkhei Thambalkhong in Imphal East district.

A total of 101 clients belonging to the socially vulnerable group were screened for TB during the month-long campaign which was organised with an aim to help reduce diagnosis and treatment delays and prevent the spread of tuberculosis (TB) thereby contributing to the Government's effort to eliminate TB by 2025, said a press note by CoNE president.

For the record, the ACF was conducted at four different sites, two each in Imphal East and Imphal West.

Vision Of Hope Drugs and Alcohol De Addiction Treatment Centre, Khonghampat; Serenity Foundation Institute of Addiction and Alcoholism, Kongpal; Makers Foundation Ipa Ibungo Drug De Addiction & Rehabilitation Centre, Thangmeiband and Band of Hope Alcohol and substance Abuse Treatment cum Research Centre, Wangkhei Thambalkhong on January 12, 19, 24 and 31 respectively.

Speaking in connection with the concluding day of the month-long campaign, CoNE president RK Nalinikanta while expressing gratitude to Manipur State TB Cell for the support rendered in the form of manpower, mobile van and testing kits while conducting the campaign among drug users community accessing drug treatment services in different drug rehabilitation centres of Imphal East and West, said that the AFC of TB was conducted among the drug users community on a trial basis to identify the prevalence rate of TB among this vulnerable group and to help the State Government in contributing in its effort of eliminating TB by 2025 .

Expressing hope that the State TB cell would continue to conduct the same initiative in the coming days among the drug user's community, Nalinikanta assured that CoNE will provide every possible support in making such programmes successful.

K Deben, Advocacy, Communication and Social Mobilization Officer, State TB Cell who was also present on the concluding day informed that during the month-long ACF campaign, participants were provided with basic ideas on issues surrounding TB, its causes, symptoms and treatment procedures following which sputum collection of symptomatic patients were conducted and testing done.

He also expressed appreciation to CoNE for initiating the campaign and said that the State TB cell will continue to provide support on such activities taken up by CoNE in future too.

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