The Kohima District TB Forum-DAPCC meeting was convened on May 16 at the DC’s Conference Hall, Kohima, with Deputy Commissioner Kumar Ramnikant, IAS chairing the program, informed a DIPR report.

A TB Champion shared his personal experiences undergoing treatment under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP). He expressed gratitude for the free medicine, treatment, and financial assistance provided during his treatment. He emphasized the importance of completing the mandatory six-month medication course without any interruptions and encouraged fellow TB patients to take full advantage of the available facilities.

DTO Kohima, Dr. Chibenthung Kithan, provided an overview of the district health unit’s profile, services available under the NTEP, as well as the targets, challenges, and outcomes faced. He announced that three villages in Kohima have been declared TB-free under the TB Mukt Panchayat initiative.

Sentimongla Tzudir, DPO of DAPCU Kohima, presented data on the adult HIV prevalence rate, HIV-related facilities, achievements at Kohima facility centers, and ongoing HIV-related activities in the district.

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DC Ramnikant stressed the need for not just collecting data on TB cases, but also performing in-depth analyses. He highlighted the importance of testing in close settings to curb the spread of TB, along with the necessity for awareness and counseling where testing occurs. The Forum members resolved to request the Kohima Municipal Council to put up hoardings and creative displays to enhance public awareness about TB.

The meeting emphasized the community’s ongoing efforts and strategies to combat TB and HIV in Kohima, aiming for a healthier future.