The World TB Day 2026 was held on March 24 at the State College of Teacher Education, Kohima on the theme, “Yes! We Can End TB: Led by Bharat, Powered by Jan Bhagidari,” emphasizing collective action and community participation in eliminating tuberculosis.
Mission Director, Dr Keveduyi Theyo underscored the importance of early detection, quality treatment, and community participation in eliminating tuberculosis (TB), during his address on World TB Day 2026.
He explained that TB is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which spreads through airborne respiratory droplets.
“When these droplets are inhaled, a healthy person can become infected. An infected individual has a 10–15% lifetime risk of developing TB, and a single untreated patient can infect 10 or more people in a year,” he said.
Highlighting the objectives of the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP), Dr Theyo stated that the programme aims to achieve a rapid decline in TB incidence and mortality through four key approaches—Detect, Treat, Prevent, and Build. He stressed that early diagnosis and appropriate treatment remain critical to ending the disease.
To strengthen TB care, he noted that NTEP has expanded its infrastructure with advanced molecular diagnostic tools such as CBNAAT and Truenat machines across nearly every health block. In addition, ultra-portable handheld X-ray machines have been deployed in all districts to improve screening. Free treatment is available for both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant TB cases, along with nutritional support under the NIKSHAY Poshan Yojana.
Dr Theyo also highlighted the significance of World TB Day, observed annually on March 24 to commemorate Dr Robert Koch’s 1882 discovery of the TB bacterium, which revolutionized its diagnosis and treatment.
Referring to this year’s theme, “Yes! We Can End TB: Led by Bharat, Powered by Jan Bhagidari,” he emphasized that while the government provides the medical framework through NTEP, the real driving force lies in community participation. The theme aligns with the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, which promotes a people-driven movement to eliminate TB.
He pointed out that India has made significant progress under this initiative, achieving a 21% decline in TB incidence since 2015—more than double the global average—and establishing one of the world’s largest diagnostic networks with over 9,300 rapid molecular testing laboratories.
Discussing the focus of the 2026 campaign, Dr Theyo said the theme marks a shift from global ambition to concrete local action, emphasizing national leadership, flexible implementation, and a strong message of hope that ending TB is achievable.
He further highlighted India’s campaign strategy, which includes a 100-day intensified drive to identify missing TB cases, reduce mortality, and prevent new infections. Community participation remains central, with initiatives like Ni-kshay Mitras encouraging individuals and organizations to provide nutritional and psychological support to TB patients. The recognition of TB Mukt Panchayats was also cited as an example of grassroots leadership in TB elimination.
Calling for collective responsibility, Dr Theyo urged the public to focus on early screening using advanced technologies, support patients without stigma, and ensure completion of treatment to prevent drug-resistant TB.
“TB is curable. Patients need empathy, not isolation,” he said, adding that sustained efforts and united action are essential to achieving the goal.
Concluding his address, Dr Theyo called for renewed commitment, stating, “With strong national leadership and active community participation, we can achieve a TB-free India. Yes, we can end TB.”
In his thematic address, Medical Officer, Dr Swuduvelu described World TB Day as a significant milestone in the fight against one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases. Despite ongoing global efforts, he noted that progress remains hindered by funding gaps and uncertainties.
He emphasized that the 2026 theme signals a shift toward actionable, country-led strategies supported by governments, civil society, and affected communities. He underscored the need for strong leadership, increased investment, rapid adoption of innovations, and coordinated multi-sectoral efforts to end TB.
Key priorities highlighted included making TB elimination a political priority, accelerating innovation, safeguarding progress, strengthening health systems, fostering collaboration across sectors, and ensuring patient-centered care that is accessible, affordable, and free from stigma.
State TB Officer, Dr Akum Jamir provided an overview of TB and the NTEP, noting India’s commitment to eliminate TB by 2030 in line with global Sustainable Development Goals. He recalled key milestones, including the launch of the TB Free India campaign at the Delhi End TB Summit in 2018 and the “TB Harega Desh Jeetega” campaign in 2019.
He also elaborated on patient support initiatives such as the NIKSHAY Poshan Yojana, which provides financial assistance of ₹1,000 per month to TB patients during treatment for nutritional support. He stressed that achieving TB elimination targets requires strong government leadership, innovative approaches, integrated patient-centered care, and active participation from civil society and communities.
The programme was chaired by State IEC Officer, Thungchanbeni M Humtsoe, with State PPM Coordinator Temjenochetla Ao delivering the invocation. Vice-Principal of SCTE-K, Dr. Runi Nakro gave the welcome address. The event was organized by the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP), and Assistant Programme Officer, Dr. Apichetla Amer led the distribution of IEC materials.
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FPAI, ARK Foundation & KNP+ organizes joint awareness program
On the occasion of World Tuberculosis Day, a joint awareness program was collaboratively organised at RHFPC- FPAI Daklane by Family Planning Association of India (FPAI), ARK Foundation and KNP+ to raise awareness on tuberculosis and strengthen community engagement in TB prevention and care.
The program began with a welcome address delivered by Vingosanuo Khatso, Program Officer FPAI- Nagaland Branch, who warmly welcomed all participants and partner organizations. In the address, she emphasized the importance of collective efforts and partnerships in addressing tuberculosis, and highlighted the need for increased awareness, early detection, and community support to eliminate TB.
This was followed by an experience-sharing session by a TB patient, who shared their personal journey, challenges faced during treatment, and the importance of adherence and support systems in recovery.
The keynote address was delivered by Ketho Angami, President of ARK Foundation, who spoke on the importance of early diagnosis, treatment adherence, and reducing stigma associated with TB. He also encouraged communities to work together towards achieving a TB-free society.
The program highlighted this year’s World TB Day theme, ‘Yes! We Can End TB: “Led by us, together. Powered by us, together’ reinforcing the need for united and sustained action.
The event concluded with a call for stronger collaboration and community participation in the fight against tuberculosis.”
100-day TB campaign launched at Tuensang
Observation of World TB Day cum launching of 100 Days TB campaign was held at District TB Centre Tuensang on March 24.
Chief Medical Officer Tuensang, Dr. Imlitemsu remarked that it is not a celebration but rather an observance. It is a day to reflect on past efforts to eliminate TB, asses what has been effective and discuss future strategies. He pointed out that TB is one of the worst among bacterial diseases due to it’s highly infectious nature.
He also presented the statistics for TB 2023 data, and disclosed that in the global scenario the positive cases for TB was 134/1 lakh people. While India stood at an alarming numbers at 195/1 lakh making India the 1/4 contributor in the global scenario, the 2024 data for Nagaland also showed an alarming statistic with 196/1 lakh cases. He pointed out that TB cases are most prevalent in developing countries like India where high population, poor nutrition are some of the major reasons for higher susceptibility to the disease.
He also warned on the misuse of common antibiotic drugs. Lastly, he encouraged all to follow three simple steps to eliminate TB by self educate on TB, disseminate the knowledge to family and friends and offer help to TB patients through the Ni-Kshay Mitra app.
Theme talks ‘Yes! We can End TB’ was presented by Epidemiologist IDSP Tuensang, Dr. John Shupao. Presentation of TB Mukt Panchayat awards was hand over by Chief Medical Officer Tuensang to nine (9) villages namely Chingmei, Longdang, Kiding, New Tsadang, old Chungliyimti, Sipongsang, Sangchen, Helipong and Kephore villages under Tuensang District.
