KOHIMA:
World Tuberculosis Day 2025 was marked by a significant milestone in Kohima, as twelve villages were recognized for their outstanding efforts in combating tuberculosis (TB), standing out among 58 villages in the region. With the vision of becoming the first 100% TB-free district, this achievement sets a strong example for others to follow.
Addressing the gathering at the event in Kohima on 24th March 2025, Deputy Commissioner Kohima, B. Henok Buchem, NCS, congratulated the villages and emphasized the importance of sustained commitment. He stated that the responsibility of eliminating TB does not rest solely on the government or medical professionals, but is a collective effort in which every individual and every village has a role to play.
The Deputy Commissioner urged every village to take inspiration from the twelve recognized villages and commit to making their communities TB-free. He expressed his hope that by next year, more villages will join this fight and take the necessary steps to eliminate TB.
Reflecting on his personal connection to healthcare, Buchem shared a deeply moving story about his late mother, a devoted nurse who dedicated her life to serving patients. Despite her own health struggles, she remained committed to her calling, ultimately passing away while caring for a patient. He expressed how her sacrifice shaped his perspective on service, reinforcing his belief that it is not just a job but a mission and a higher purpose. He urged the gathering to recognize that the impact of their efforts today may not always be immediately visible, but they will transform lives for generations to come. He emphasized that God blesses the generations that follow, and the sacrifices made today will create a healthier and stronger future.
With the theme “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver,” the event served as both a celebration of progress and a renewed call to action. District Tuberculosis Officer, Dr. Chibenthung Kithan, stressed the urgency of acting now, reminding everyone that TB remains the deadliest infectious disease but is entirely curable with timely intervention. He urged the community to join hands and work together to eliminate TB.
As part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, the Nikshay Mitra initiative encourages community support for TB patients through nutritional, vocational, or diagnostic assistance. One such committed Nikshay Mitra is Joint Director, Department of Veterinary & Animal Husbandry, Dr. Amenla Walling, who has consistently supported TB patients. Growing up in Mokokchung, she recalled how TB patients were treated with fear and isolation, often kept at a distance even after recovery. She shared how such stigma led to misconceptions and discrimination against TB patients, but through education and awareness, she came to understand that TB is both preventable and treatable. She believes that more than just providing nutrition, spreading awareness is essential, as engaging in such initiatives allows people to become advocates for change. Since taking on this role, she has personally supported multiple TB patients, ensuring they complete their six-month treatment regimen. Her message to TB patients was clear: no matter what people say, they must prioritize their health, seek medical attention, complete their treatment, and not stop halfway, because TB is curable and early detection is key.
Under the TB Mukt Panchayat initiative, villages meeting specific TB-free criteria receive a certificate and a Mahatma Gandhi statue on World TB Day, with the statue colors signifying the duration of TB-free status. This year, Seiyha Phesa was awarded the silver statue, while eleven other villages received the bronze statue in recognition of their efforts to eliminate TB. The recognized villages included Mezo Basa, Tseisema Bawe, Gariphema Bawe, Tuophe Phezou, Tseimekhuma Bawe, Seiyhama, New Terogvunyu, Z. Likwenchu, Tsonsa, Sewanu, and New Tesophenyu. The recognition highlights the community’s collective commitment to eradicating TB and fostering healthier villages. The event also featured a testimonial from TB champion Keneivonuo, who shared her personal experience with the disease, reinforcing the message that TB is curable but awareness and action are crucial.
The event, held at the DC Conference Hall in Kohima, brought together various stakeholders, medical professionals, NGOs, and community leaders in the shared mission to end TB. With continued commitment, investment, and action, the vision of a TB-free world by 2030 remains within reach.
DIMAPUR:
The World Tuberculosis Day cum DAPCC and Vertical Programs Meeting under the theme “Yes, We Can End TB! Commit, Invest, Deliver” was observed at CMO conference hall, Dimapur on March 24th 2025.
Speaking as the special guest, Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur, Dr. Tinojungshi Chang, NCS, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating Tuberculosis (TB) in the region. He emphasized that the government stands ready to support efforts in combating the disease and highlighted the role of 19 villages as key touch points in extending TB awareness and prevention measures to other communities.
Dr. Chang stressed that TB can be eliminated with collective efforts at the grassroots level. He urged the Village Development Boards (VDBs) and Village Councils to actively participate in the fight against TB by ensuring awareness, early detection, and access to treatment. The government provides free medicines and financial support for TB patients, he stated, encouraging local leaders to take advantage of these resources to strengthen the healthcare response in rural areas. With increased collaboration between government agencies and community leaders, the initiative aims to bring TB under control, ensuring better health outcomes for all, he added.
Chief Medical Officer of Dimapur, Dr. T. Temsu Lkr, emphasizing the need for continued investment and commitment to eradicating TB, urged the public to give support in every way possible and to cooperate with them to eliminate this disease and malaria.
The program commenced with a welcome address by Chief Medical Officer Chumukedima, Dr. Yartenla Jamir, followed by a felicitation ceremony recognizing TB Muk Panchayat (TB-free villages) Awards and the presentation of appreciation certificates to dedicated healthcare staff.
Presentations on vertical programs, including NTEP (National Tuberculosis Elimination Program), NVBDCP (National Vector Borne Disease Control Program), and DISHA, highlighted on-going efforts in disease prevention and control. A moving testimony from Monica, a TB champion, shed light on the challenges faced by TB patients and their journey toward recovery.
A special segment was dedicated to TB patients, allowing them to share their experiences in five-minute sessions. The program concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Orenthung from DIS DISHA, acknowledging the contributions of healthcare workers and stakeholders in the fight against tuberculosis. The programme was chaired by Dr. A. Kavito Zhimomi, DPO CD-1.
World Tuberculosis Day serves as a crucial reminder of the collective efforts needed to eliminate TB and improve public health. The event reinforced the commitment of Dimapur’s health authorities and community leaders to achieving a TB-free future.
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TUENSANG:
Along with the rest of the World, Tuensang district observed World Tuberculosis Day on 24th March 2025 on the theme “Yes We Can End TB: Committee, Invest, Deliver”, at Town Hall Tuensang with Deputy Commissioner Tuensang, Lithrongla Tongpi Rutsa as the special guest.
Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner appreciated the TB Champion of Tuensang for coming up to share his story which is an eye opener for the society in fighting TB. She highlighted that India Target for elimination of TB is 2025, whereas Tuensang District detect 251 TB in past 1 year which is concerning for the District. Rutsa added that everyone should change their casual approach to the TB Patient by community support. She also urged the public, NGOs and government employees to come forward in contributing a sum for the nutrition of the TB Patient in the district.
Other highlights of the programme included keynote address by SMO DH Tuensang, Dr. Alemba R Jamir; Yes We can by Hanso TB Champion; Drama by TTBL and presentation of Mitra certificate. The programme was chaired by Changsang Yanchu while vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Imlinaro DPD (CD-II).
NOKLAK:
World Tuberculosis Day was observed at Chief Medical Officer Conference Hall Noklak, under the theme “Yes we can End TB: Commit Invest Deliver on 24th March 2024.
Speaking as the Special Guest, Deputy Commissioner Noklak, Arikumba NCS said, Tuberculosis is an old disease and the whole world was observing it to completely eradicate the disease. He stated that, he being the administrator of the district, it was his duty is to bring the required medical facilities to the hospital. He urged the gathering to give support to the medical department for successful completion of the mission. He also assured that the Noklak DPDB members will give financial support to the TB patients who are in need of financial support. He said that the fight against the disease is communal one and everyone should stand together to end the spread of TB disease in the community. He also stressed on the need to spread awareness and make the people understand the disease without alarm or fear.
CMO Noklak, Dr. Victor NC in his keynote address shared on the symptoms of Tuberculosis disease and roots causes of infections. He said TB medicine and treatment is being provided free of cost by the government. He, therefore, encouraged all the citizens to come forward to the hospital and get treatment. He added that TB is 100% curable. Dr. Victor NC also received award of appreciation certificate from the Deputy Commissioner for his adoption of two TB patients.
Presentation of nutritional supplementation to the adopted TB patients was carried out by the CMO, SP and Deputy Commissioner.
LONGLENG:
Medical Department Longleng observed the World Tuberculosis Day under the theme “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit. Invest. Deliver”, on 24th March 2025, at VCC & VDB conference hall, Longleng.
EAC Longleng, Pipfusa Pojar, NCS, in her short speech said, the theme reminded everyone to share equal responsibilities to eradicate the disease from the district, state and nation, which is a goal set by the Government of India. Tuberculosis is one of the deadliest infectious disease, recognising this challenge the Government of India has initiated various programs and initiatives to eradication the disease from our Nation, she said. Pojar also said the District Administration is fully committed on, TB-free Longleng and, to achieve the goal, it needs the active participation of all stakeholders like Government agencies, civil society organisations and each and every individual. She also called on the gathering to break the stigma associated with Tuberculosis, and create an environment where every individual receives the support, care and dignity that they deserve.
DPO Dr. Temsusashi, delivered the keynote address, Awareness on TB was shared by Senior Treatment Specialist (STS), Tongang. Short speeches were also delivered by Yingli Mission Society Longleng and TB Champion.
EAC Longleng, Pipfusa Pojar, gave away the presentation to the TB Mukt Panchayat and CMO Longleng Dr. Tiasunep, gave away the best performing ASHA awards. The programme was chaired by PMDT Supervisor, Meribeni while vote of thanks was delivered by TB Health Visitor, Henmei Phom.
