Pledges to eliminate TB mark World TB Day
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, March 24 2025: World Tuberculosis (TB) Day was observed across the the state on Monday under the theme "Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver" .

The observance aims to strengthen efforts to eliminate tuberculosis by 2025, ahead of the global target of 2030.In Thoubal district, the observance programme was organised by the District Health Society (DHS) under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) .

DC Ahanthem Subhash, who attended as the chief guest, stressed that TB, though curable, continues to be a major cause of death, with around 4,400 people dying daily worldwide.

He called for greater public awareness and intervention to eliminate the disease and lauded the contributions of Nikshay Mitras in ensuring targeted treatment for TB patients.

Pledges to eliminate TB mark World TB Day

Nikshay Mitras were honoured with gifts, while TB patients received food baskets.

Additionally, two ASHA workers were presented with cash incentives in recognition of their dedicated se.rvice.

A street play was also performed to raise awareness about TB and its prevention.

In Kakching district, the event was held at Langmeidong Dramatic Union Hall, organised by DHS, Kakching under NTEP.

Hiyanglam MLA Dr Y Radheshyam, speaking as the chief guest, emphasised the importance of public's participation in achieving the goal of eliminating TB.

He highlighted various aspects of TB, including its treatment and the need for community engagement.

Kakching CMO and district mission director of NHM Dr Thaodem Rajen, presided over the event.

District leprosy officer Dr Y Jyotshna, DHS district programme manager Oinam Pushpa, district finance manager O Sulochana, NTEP senior treatment supervisor N Surbala, along with other staff and ASHA workers, were also present.

Certificates were distributed to 13 PHSCs and ARMs for their active participation in the 100-day Intensified TB Elimination Campaign.

In Kangpokpi district, the observance witnessed strong commitments from district authorities and the community to eliminate TB.

Food baskets were distributed to TB patients, and officials under the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan sponsored TB patients, ensuring better treatment outcomes.

The observance across the districts reflected a unified resolve to eliminate TB through community-driven initiatives, increased awareness, and continued commitment from stakeholders.

Kangpokpi observed the Day with a strong commitment to eliminate tuberculosis with SP Manoj Prabhakar as the chief guest, who highlighted the need for collective action and community engagement to defeat TB.

A significant highlight was the distribution of food baskets to TB patients, reinforcing the community's support.

Pledges to eliminate TB mark World TB Day

The SP appealed to CSOs and affluent individuals to sponsor TB patients and ensure timely treatment.

ADM Shokhongam Baite reaffirmed the pledge tp eliminate TB from Kangpokpi, urging public participation.

CEO of Kangpokpi ADC, James Doujapao Haokip, emphasised the need for sustained efforts, financial investment, and community involvement to achieve a TB-free Kangpokpi.

Under the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, district officials, including the DC and SP, sponsored 29 TB patients, contributing towards better treatment outcomes and reducing stigma.

District TB officer Dr Len Kamkhosat Khongsai highlighted that TB remains the leading cause of death among people with HIV and stressed the need for bold action beyond financial investments.

The 100-day TB campaign led to screening 5,254 vulnerable individuals, testing 320 suspected cases, and notifying 41 confirmed TB cases.

Currently, 68 patients are undergoing treatment, while 167 patients benefited from the Nikshay Poshan Yojana.

Dr Len Kamkhosat urged the public to educate themselves about TB, health workers to provide stigma-free care, and community leaders to advocate for accessible treatment, emphasising that Kangpokpi's success proves that ending TB is achievable with sustained commitment.

DHS Chandel, under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), also observed the day at the District TB Centre, Chandel.

The event also marked the conclusion of the 100-day intensified TB elimination campaign, aimed at early detection, treatment, and prevention of tuberculosis.

Chandel CMO Dr Joyson Matthew Monsang was chief guest of the observance, also attended by district immunisatiofi officer Dr B Cingdeihnieng and district TB officer in-charge Dr Tongen Roel.

Dr Tongel Roel highlighted that over 5000 vulnerable individuals had been screened under the programme.

Nikshay Mitra Food baskets were distributed, and appreciation gifts were awarded to medical officers, CHOs, and ANMs for their active participation on the occasion.

The 100-day campaign focused on identifying and treating undiagnosed TB cases, addressing risk factors such as under-nutrition and diabetes, and ensuring comprehensive care to move closer to a TB-free India by 2025 .