The District Tuberculosis Elimination Programme, Kohima, and NHM Nagaland observed World TB Day 2026 at the DC Conference Hall, Kohima under the theme “Yes! We Can End TB; Led by Bharat, Powered by Janbhagidari” on March 24.
The highlight of the event was the felicitation of TB-free villages under the TB Mukt Panchayat Initiative, which aims to create healthy competition and recognize the efforts of village councils in eliminating TB. Following verification by the district team, certificates with one-year validity are awarded annually on World TB Day.
On the occasion, the awardees were also presented with Certificates and Mahatma Gandhi statues-bronze for first-year achievers, silver for two consecutive years, and gold for three years of sustained TB-free status. For 2025, a total of 22 villages in Kohima were honoured, including one gold, four silver, and 17 bronze awardees. The Gold was awarded to Seiyha Phesa Village.
Deputy Commissioner and Chairman, District TB Forum, Kohima, B. Henok Buchem, NCS, in his address encouraged continued commitment towards achieving TB-free status across villages. Sharing a personal reflection, he said that during his study of English literature, he came across works of renowned poets and novelists such as John Keats and George Orwell, many of whom succumbed to tuberculosis at a young age. He remarked that TB has claimed an estimated one billion lives globally, making it one of the deadliest diseases in history.
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The DC also spoke on the myths and facts surrounding tuberculosis, stressing the importance of awareness, early detection, proper treatment, and completion of the full course of medication. He noted that TB cases saw a rise after the COVID-19 pandemic due to interruption in treatment by many patients. He urged village leaders to cooperate with health officials during TB screening in their respective villages.
Further, he encouraged the village representatives to take the Mahatma Gandhi statues awarded to their communities to churches, share the significance of the recognition, and seek collective blessings for a TB-free society.
Highlighting the significance of the day, District TB Officer Dr. Chibenthung Kithan emphasized the importance of collective efforts and community participation in eliminating tuberculosis.
The programme was chaired by Sentimongla Tzudir, District Programme Officer (DISHA Cluster), Kohima.
