Scribes sensitised on National TB Elimination Prog
Door to door survey to find active TB cases in state: Dr W Sashi
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, March 23 2023:
State Tuberculosis (TB) Cell under the aegis of National TB Elimination Programme, Manipur organised a one-day media sensitisation programme on 'Role of media to end TB by 2025' at STDC Hall, RD Wing, Lamphelpat, here, on Thursday.
Speaking on the occasion, state nodal officer for TB, Dr Waikhom Shashi pointed out that the government is setting a target of 2025 to eliminate TB from the country and sought full support and cooperation of the media houses and persons in achieving this target.
While stating that Advocacy, Communication and Social Mobilisation (ACSM) are key components in the TB elimination strategy, the nodal official informed that the health department is taking up steps to ensure early diagnosis and educating the public about signs & symptoms and treatment of TB.
Media has a major role to play in creating awareness among the public and removing social stigma, he said while urging the fourth pillar of the democracy to play its part.
He further said that Nishay Mitras are providing support to TB patients under PM TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.
There are 78 Nikshay Mitras in the state and out of them 38 are elected representatives.
They deliver monthly food package to the TB patients for six months, Dr Shashi said and further informed that TB Preventive Treatment programme has been launched in Bishnupur district recently.
Besides, the government will launch a door to door survey led by Community Health Officers (CHOs) of 310 Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) for 21 days to detect TB cases among the general public, he added.
Dr Shashi further informed that a total of 1292 TB patients are undergoing treatment in the state.
Imphal West has highest number of patients with 415 while Noney district has only one patient.
Out of 56 testing centres, 48 are functioning, he said.
AMWJU president Wangkhemcha Shamjai, who also attended the event, spoke on the contribution of media in creating awareness among the public including the Covid-19 pandemic.
Highlighting the role of the media in this iregard, he stressed the need for proper media management and frequent awareness activities.
He also assured support from media in highlighting the shortcomings faced by the cells and agencies of the government in carrying out their activities.
Journalists from different media houses participated in the programme.