ARK Foundation in collaboration with Department of Health and Family Welfare/NHM, Government of Nagaland and in partnership with the D Block Panchayat, Kohima organized a Sensitization Program on Tuberculosis (TB) and its co morbidities at D Block Panchayat, Hall Kohima, on Saturday, ARK informed in a press release.
The session on TB was delivered by Dr Vezokholü Theyo, State TB officer, NTEP/ NHM, who explained about the signs and symptoms of TB, the treatment process and facilities available at various government hospitals including Primary Health Centre and in Community Health Centre and also about the various schemes available under the TB Program as well as the Ayushman Bharat Mission Scheme and Chief Minister Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS). She further encouraged the participants to avail such Schemes.
Sentimongla, DPO, DAPCU facilitated the session on the basics of HIV AIDS, and STI where she emphasized upon the nature of the virus and the four major route of transmission which includes sharing of infected needle/syringe, unprotected sex, parents to child, and through infected blood transfusion. She also highlighted about the importance of early ART treatment and adherence while also speaking about the precautionary measures which needs to be practiced that includes abstinence from sex before marriage, being faithful and correct, consistent use of condoms.
On the topic of STI, Sentimongla mentioned about the signs and symptoms which commonly occurs in the genital areas. It may result in pain while urination, sex, and irritation/infection in the infected area, and that any untreated STIs may further result in more complication or sometimes even loss of fertility, as per the case. In conclusion she mentioned about the various HIV/STI treatment facilities that are made freely available through the various government health centres.
Ketho Angami, President, ARK Foundation, considering the resurgence of addiction among the present generation and the need for an urgent redressal to this issue, laid out the harmful effects of Substance Abuse. In his address, he cited that alcohol also is a drug which causes severe health, social and psychological complications. And that alcohol usage should be regarded as a serious health threat. Further addressing the audience, he touched upon the rampant use of Sunflower (drugs) addiction among the youths which poses as a matter of great social concern not only to the user themselves but also the family. He therefore, urged the present generation to make healthy choices by staying away from drugs.
He lamented about the wide availability of gateway drugs such as dendrite, ganja, tobacco and nicotine products etc. and as to how the use of such substances had become quite common among the adolescence. He cautioned the participants that the use of such gateway drugs serves as a springboard to further get into the habit of harder drugs use.
Earlier. the program was chaired by Shanchobeni N Shitiri, Program Coordinator, ARK Foundation, who highlighted about the need to have a collaborative effort and also the gravity of various diseases. She apprised the audience about the “TB elimination 2025” strategic plan as part of the National TB Elimination Program (NTEP).
Thejakhrielie, Vice President, D Block youth organization (DBYO) delivered the welcome address while the closing remarks was pronounced by Rungbemo Ngullie, information and publicity relation Secretary (DBYO).
