World TB Day observed across State
Source: The Sangai Express

Thoubal/Chandel/Kakching/Kpi, March 24 2025: To raise public awareness about the devastating health, social and economic consequences of TB, and to step up efforts to end the global TB epidemic, Manipur joined the rest of the world in observing"World TB Day" today.

THOUBAL

As observed across the globe, the 44th "World TB Day" was also observed today at New Public Hr Secondary School, Thoubal.

The event was organised by District Health Mission Society Thoubal under the theme "Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver" .

It was attended by District Health Society Thoubal, Chairman cum Deputy Commissioner, Thoubal, Ahanthem Subhash (IAS) as chief guest, District Health Society Thoubal, District Mission Director cum CMO Thoubal, Dr Y Nokul Singh as president and District TB Officer, Dr Yumnam Shameen, NTEP District Coordinator Thongam Stephee Chanu and New Public Hr Secondary School Governing Body, Joint Secretary, Saikhom Gopal Singh as guests of honour.

Addressing the gathering, DC Thoubal, Ahanthem Subhash said that even though Tuberculosis (TB) was difficult to treat in the early days, it can now be treated easily by medication.

However, even though it could be treated it is still one of the deadliest diseases in the world, stated Subhash.

He therefore urged for early detection and timely medication to prevent Tuberculosis, so as to eradicate Tuberculosis permanently from the country.

The DC also lauded the role of Nikshay Mitras for their tremendous role in the campaign of eliminating Tuberculosis by providing Nutritional food to the TB patients.

As part of the event, the Nikshay Mitras were honoured with special gifts for their remarkable contribution and 2 selected ASHA workers were also honoured with cash prizes for their contribution and effort in the campaign.

Food baskets were also handed to various TB patients by the dais members.

Later a street play to spread awareness on Tuberculosis disease was also showcased and presented during the event.

CHANDEL

In a ultimate aim to achieve a TB-free India by 2025 and to mark the end of India's 100-day intensified TB elimination campaign that focuses on early detection, treatment, and prevention of Tuberculosis, District Health Society, Chandel under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) today observes World Tuberculosis Day' under the theme "Yes! We can end TB : Commit, Invest, Deliver".

The observation was graced by CMO Chandel Dr Joyson Matthew Monsang as the chief guest, Dr Tongen Roel, District Tuberculosis Officer i/c Chandel as the functional president, District Immunization Officer, Chandel Dr B Cingdeihnieng as guest of honour respectively.

Speaking at the occasion, DTO i/c highlighted the activities conducted under the campaign and stated that more than 5000 vulnerable population has been screened under this programme for Chandel district, she further appreciated the roles taken by health staffs including ANMs & ASHA workers in making this initiative reach to all eligible household contacts and other vulnerable groups.

As part of the event 'Nikshay Mitra Food baskets' were distributed to the eligible beneficiaries and gifts of appreciation awarded to Medical officers, CHOs and ANMs who were actively involved in the campaign.

Today's event was attended by DLOs, officials of district health society, Chandel and a large number of community members from the district.

KAKCHING

With the aim to achieve TB-free India by 2025, the 44th World TB Day was observed today at Langmeidong Dramatic Union Hall, Kakching organised by District Health Society, National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) Kakching.

The event held under the theme "Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver" was attended by Hiyanglam AC MLA, Dr Yumnam Radheshyam, CMO Kakching, Thaodem Rajen and District Leprosy Officer Kakching, Dr Y Jyotsna as presidium members.

Speaking at the event, MLA Dr Yumnam Radheshyam stated that without the collective effort of people, the campaign of eliminating TB disease from the country by 2025 could not be achieved.

He stated that awareness on TB disease is very much needed for the people to understand how it spread, how it could be avoided, what medications are needed, the importance of early detection, etc.

The event was also attended by DPM, DHS Kakching Oinam Pushpa, STS, NTEP Kakching N Surbala, DFM, DHS Kakching O Sulochana along with staff of District Health Society and ASHA workers.

KANGPOKPI
The 44th World TB Day was observed with great determination in Kangpokpi under the theme "Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver" .

With a resounding message and pledge that "TB can be defeated - but only if we commit, invest, and deliver.

The time to act is now," the event called for collective action to eliminate the world's deadliest infectious disease.

The event was graced by Manoj Prabhakar, IPS, SP Kangpokpi, as the chief guest, Dr.Paokai Kipgen, Chief Medical Officer/DMD, District Health Society Kangpokpi, as the Functional President alongside Shokhongam Baite, MCS, Additional Deputy Magistrate, Kangpokpi, and James Doujapao Haokip, MCS, Chief Executive Officer, SHADC Kangpokpi, as guests of honour.

One of the most impactful moments of the observance was the distribution of food baskets to TB patients from various parts of the district, reinforcing the community's commitment to supporting those affected.

A powerful appeal was also made to eliminate TB from the district, aligning with India's goal of ending TB by 2025.Addressing the gathering, SP Kangpokpi, Manoj Prabhakar, IPS, made a strong appeal to civil society organizations and well-off individuals to step forward in sponsoring TB patients, ensuring they receive proper treatment and support.

He emphasized that community-driven initiatives are crucial in eliminating TB not just in Kangpokpi but across the country.

Similarly, Additional Deputy Magistrate, Shokhongam Baite, reaffirmed the pledge taken by district officials to eliminate TB from Kangpokpi.

He urged the public to actively participate in this fight, stressing that a TB-free Kangpokpi is possible through collective responsibility.

Additionally, he urged community leaders to advocate for affordable, accessible TB treatment at the community level and foster stigma-free environments, ensuring no patient suffers discrimination.

At the same time, he called on youth to support TB-affected individuals by providing resources and raising awareness in their communities.

Dr Len Kamkhosat Khongsai, DTO, NTEP Kangpokpi, stated that TB remains the leading cause of death among people with HIV and a significant contributor to antimicrobial resistance.

He emphasized that the commitments made by world leaders at the 2023 UN High-Level Meeting on TB must now translate into concrete action - strengthening national strategies, ensuring full funding, and rapidly implementing WHO-recommended interventions.

During the campaign, 5,254 vulnerable individuals were screened for TB, out of which 320 suspected TB cases were tested, and 41 confirmed TB patients were notified, with 35 receiving food baskets as part of a comprehensive support system.

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