'Need Covid-level testing craze to end TB'
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, March 01 2025: Asserting the need for accelerated approach to eliminate TB, state TB officer Dr Hemlata Thokchom said that Covid-level testing craze among the people is needed to end TB .

She was speaking at a one-day media workshop on the "100-day TB Elimination Campaign" organised by Editors' Guild Manipur (EGM), in collaboration with the Directorate of Health Services, Manipur, at the DIPR auditorium on Saturday.

The workshop was attended by the director of health services Dr Chambo Gonmei as the chief guest, All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) president Bijoy Kakchingtabam as the guest of honour, and EGM president Khogendra Khomdram as the president.

'Need Covid-level testing craze to end TB'

Speaking during the technical session, which was moderated by UNI chief bureau N Seityajit, state TB officer Dr Hemlata Thokchom explained that TB is a contagious infection with both symptomatic and asymptomatic cases.

She elaborated on the two types of TB - pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), which affects only the lungs, and extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB), which affects other parts of the body.

Stating that TB does not discriminate between the rich and poor or the old and young but affects everyone, she noted that around 10 per cent of those infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis have the potential to develop the disease.

As such, TB preventive therapy is the best way to prevent its onset.

Mentioning that ending the TB epidemic by 2030 is one of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Dr Hemlata stated that India has set an ambitious target to achieve this by 2025.She informed that in 2015, there were 237 lakh cases per year, which declined to 195 lakh in 2023, with the goal of reducing the number to 47 lakh by 2025.Regarding fatalities, the number of deaths due to TB dropped from 28 in 2015 to 22 in 2023, with a target to bring it down to three or fewer.

Regarding the implementation of the 100-day intensified campaign under the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (PMTBMBA), Dr Hemlata stated that the TB Elimination campaign (Ni-Kshay Shivir) was rolled out in 347 districts across the country, including six districts in Manipur.

The campaign aims to accelerate case detection, reduce mortality, and prevent the occurrence of new cases.

In Manipur, two Ni-Kshay Vahan have been deployed, and around 250 Ni-Kshay Mitras have been recognised.

Ni-Kshay Mitra is a scheme under the PMTBMBA programme or NTEP, which matches TB patients with donors who provide support in the form of food, medical care, and vocational training.

However, challenges persist, such as low TB testing rates due to high dependence on microscopy method of testing.

Additionally, 60 per cent of cases are symptomatic, with patients not seeking medical care, and 46 per cent of TB patients are undernourished.

She stressed the need for Covid-level testing craze among the masses in order to end TB highlighting the importance of high testing rate to achieve the target.

Other contributing factors such as drug resistance, low BMI, and comorbidities lead to high mortality rates, she conveyed.

Emphasising the role of the media, Dr Hemlata noted that TB cases were particularly low during the Covid-19 pandemic, as public awareness campaigns prompted people to adopt preventive measures like hand washing and other hygiene practices.

She said, the media can play a crucial role in mitigating the stigma associated with TB by raising awareness and encouraging people to undergo testing, such as X-ray or NAAT tests.

She further highlighted that TB medications are provided free of cost and are frequently monitored to ensure drug sensitivity or resistance and to ensure that patients complete the full six-month course for a complete cure.

State BCC IEC consultant Kiranmala Thangjam stressed the importance of good communication between the National Health Mission and the media, while senior journalist A Mobi Singh underscored the crucial role of media in the fight against TB.

Earlier, director Dr Chambo Gonmei stated that the 100-day TB Elimination campaign would be concluding soon.

He recalled that, in the past, people used to associate TB infection solely with the presence of blood in the sputum.

Hence, there is a need to disseminate accurate information, as stigma still surrounds the disease.

He noted that TB cases, which were alarmingly high during his tenure as a district TB officer, have declined significantly due to sustained efforts.

While TB cases have decreased nationwide, the director remarked that new cases are still being reported, with some areas recording high fatality rates while others have low numbers.

Most cases have been detected among economically disadvantaged individuals, and TB bacteria thrive in households in hilly areas with poor lighting and ventilation, particularly affecting those with weakened immune systems.

Mentioning that HIV cases have declined in the state, he pointed out that diabetes cases are on the rise.

Given that TB easily affects those with pre-existing illnesses or infections, regular screening is essential.

He reiterated that TB is curable if an individual completes the full medication course.

Emphasising the need to sustain TB control measures, Dr Gonmei stressed the importance of 100 per cent screening in vulnerable areas and among high-risk groups, including HIV patients, smokers, diabetics, alcoholics, and family members of those who have died of TB.

He asserted that the participation of doctors, nurses, health workers, and community leaders is essential in this endeavour.

In his speech, AMWJU president Bijoy Kakchingtabam advised media professionals to maintain a balanced diet and get adequate sleep.

He added that awareness reports and articles on TB would greatly benefit the public by reducing stigma and encouraging people to undergo proper diagnosis and treatment.