Early diagnosis stressed at TB workshop
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 01 2025: Saying that Tuberculosis (TB) disproportionately affects individuals with weakened immune systems, Health Director Dr Chambo Gonmei has appealed to everyone to join forces in the fight against TB.

He made the appeal during a media workshop held as part of the 100 day TB elimination campaign at the auditorium of DIPR at Nityaipat Chuthek today.

The workshop was organised by Editors Guild Manipur (EGM) in association with the Directorate of Health Services, Manipur.

A pledge was taken by the participants to bolster the TB elimination campaign.

Addressing the function, Dr Chambo emphasized the crucial role of awareness in eliminating Tuberculosis (TB) .

Early diagnosis stressed at TB workshop

"To win this fight, people must know the symptoms and take proactive steps to prevent TB infections," he stressed.

Dr Chambo Gonmei also noted a significant shift in societal attitudes toward TB.

While people with TB were once heavily stigmatized, he observed that the situation has improved somewhat, with greater awareness and understanding helping to reduce the stigma associated with the disease.

Maintaining that the 100 days TB elimination campaign is being carried out in 327 districts across the country including six districts in Manipur, he appeal- ed to the people to get medical check-ups if they experience coughing for two weeks or more.

Saying that early diagnosis and timely medication can cure TB, prevent its spread, and save lives, the Health Director added that the rate of TB prevalence has shown a gradual decline.

Many initiatives have been taken up to eliminate TB, Dr Chambo maintained.

EGM president Khogendra Khomdram, on the other hand, said that TB, once considered a deadly disease, can now be cured with early diagnosis and treatment.

All Manipur Working Journalist' Union (AMWJU) president Bijoy Kakchingtabam also attended the programme, among others.

In the technical session, State TB Officer Dr Hemlata Thokchom said that persistent cough lasting more than two weeks, coughing up blood, feeling extremely tired or exhausted, fever, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss and chest pain can be an indication of TB infection.

Appealing to the people to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment if they experience these symptoms, she added that early detection can make a significant difference in recovering from TB.

State BCC IEC Consultant Kiranmala Thangjam and senior journalist A Mobina also spoke on "NHM and Media" and "Media as facilatator in fight against TB" in the technical session as resource persons.