Wokha District commemorated the World Tuberculosis (TB) Day at the DC’s Conference Hall, Wokha on March 24. The event was organised by the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP) in collaboration with the District TB Centre, Wokha, under the theme for this year’s observance was “Yes We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver.”

Deputy Commissioner and District TB Forum President, Vineet Kumar, graced the event as the Special Guest.

In his address, Kumar expressed his appreciation for the efforts of village councils in supporting the TB elimination program and urged villages that achieved bronze status to aspire for silver and gold status. He emphasized that TB is a disease that does not discriminate and urged the public to avoid any stigma toward patients.

Kumar also highlighted the government’s ongoing support for TB patients, including the provision of six months of nutritional aid. He pointed out that TB could sometimes be asymptomatic, and untreated, it could have fatal consequences. He encouraged the public to undergo timely treatment and regular screenings for early detection and prevention.

Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play

Highlighting he need for collective action, Kumar urged everyone to work together to achieve the World Health Organization’s (WHO) goal of eliminating TB by 2030.

A personal testimony was shared by a cured TB patient, who spoke about their experience with treatment and recovery, encouraging others to seek help without fear of discrimination.

The event also included a Felicitation Program, where 34 villages were honored as TB Free/TB Mukt Panchayats for 2024 in recognition of their successful TB eradication efforts. Among the notable silver achievers were Bhandari Village, Longsachung, Okheyan, Sankiton, Selukvu, and Mekirang.

Dr. Akum Jamir, District TB Officer (DTO) of Wokha, delivered the welcome address and a Vote of Thanks by P. Renben Tsanglao, Senior Treatment Supervisor (STS) of Bhandari.