Itanagar, Mar 24: World Tuberculosis (TB) Day with the theme “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver,” was observed across the state on Monday with a focus on strengthening efforts to eliminate the illness.
Koloriang: The day was celebrated at Chera Taloh District Hospital; the event also marked the observance of Deworming Week.
Addressing a gathering, Kurung Kumey deputy commissioner, Vishakha Yadav, highlighted the ongoing 100-day campaign against TB and called for collective vigilance against its spread.
“Once considered one of the most dreaded diseases, TB is gradually losing its grip due to concerted efforts by the government," she said.
She urged all stakeholders to adopt a participatory approach in combating the disease. Assuring full support to the medical department, Yadav announced the donation of a portable X-ray machine, an ultrasound machine, and an ambulance procured through crowdfunding to ensure uninterrupted medical services.
ADC Nangram Pingkap underscored the crucial role of panchayat leaders in such initiatives. He expressed concern over their minimal participation and urged them to be more involved in holistic healthcare programmes. He also lauded the medical department for its proactive role in the fight against TB.
District Reproductive and Child Health Officer (DRCHO) Dr Tadar Tagh emphasized the significance of deworming and the health complications caused by intestinal worms while District TB Officer Dr Khioram Bagang briefed attendees on the ongoing TB campaign and its achievements.
The event witnessed active participation from officials from the district administration Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), Self-Help Groups and other stakeholders.
Bomdila: The District Health Society of West Kameng, under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Akriti Sagar observed the day at Kameng Club, Bomdila, along with simultaneous observances across 34 health centers in the district.
Speaking at the event, the DC lauded the District Tuberculosis Officer (DTO) and her team for their dedicated efforts, which has resulted in West Kameng becoming one of the best-performing districts in TB control. She emphasized the need for collective efforts from all sections of society to completely eradicate tuberculosis from the district.
“TB is a communicable disease. If any person or village receives a diagnosis, they must share the information with their neighbors and surroundings to ensure early detection and complete eradication,” she stated. She also assured full administrative support in the mission to make West Kameng TB-free.
Highlighting the availability of effective treatment, Sagarremarked, “TB-related deaths are unfortunate when we have sufficient treatment to cure it. Therefore, Nikshay Mitras, Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), and other stakeholders must actively spread awareness about TB prevention and treatment.”
District Tuberculosis Officer (DTO) Smti Newang Dremapresented an overview of the District Tuberculosis Unit’s progress and performance through a PowerPoint presentation. She highlighted the major symptoms of TB, such as a cough lasting more than two weeks, evening fever, loss of appetite, and weight loss. She urged individuals experiencing these symptoms to visit health centers immediately for testing.
Drema also acknowledged the significant role played by Nikshay Mitras in supporting TB patients and thanked them for their relentless service. She informed that 27 gram panchayats in the district have been declared TB-free, out of which three have received the Silver Award and 24 have received the Bronze Award.
She further elaborated on the various incentives available under the Nikshay Poshan Yojana (NPY) and reported an impressive 97.2% TB patient success rate in the district.
The District Medical Officer, Dr. R.D. Thongchi, delivered the welcome address, emphasizing the significance of World TB Day and recalling the discovery of the TB-causing bacterium by Robert Koch on March 24, 1882.
During the event, Nikshay Mitras and the best-performing Gram Panchayats were felicitated for their contributions.
The program was attended by the wife of the MLA from 6th-Thrizino Burgaon (ST) Assembly Constituency, medical staff, students, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), ASHAs, PRI members, DOT providers, Nikshay Mitras, villagers, and other stakeholders.
Meanwhile, the District Health Society is also conducting a month-long Special NCD screening across various offices. So far, screenings have been conducted in 16 offices, covering a total of 1,185 individuals. The screening will continue until March 31. The TB-free pledge was also administered during the occasion.
Yingkiong:  District Health Society(NTEP), Upper Siang observed the World TB Day 2025 with the District Hospital Yingkiong and the  Health & Wellness Centers, viz. Karko, Pugging, Ramsing, Simong, Dalbing, Adi-Pasi and Padu.
At Damro in the backdrop of ‘Seva Aapke Dwar’, a pledge on TB Harega, Desh Jeetega was taken by all participants being led by the Upper siang Deputy Commissioner, 
Talo Jerang. NTEP team and CC-TI conducted free TB/HIV/ Syphilis Screening at Damro. 
At the District HQ the event was organised at the Conference Hall of  District Hospital Yingkiong. Members of the Upper Siang District Christian Forum headed by its President, Shri Oyup Tate. Chairperson, Siking Koje Charitable Society, Dr Mity Jopir also attended the programme. Dr Gumin Bitin, I/c Medical Superintendent along with staffs attended the programme. A pledge on TB Harega, Desh Jeetega was taken by all participants. 
In his keynote address, Dr Ahik Miyu, District TB Officer, welcomed all the participants. Through a PowerPoint presentation and video show, he dwelt in length on various aspects of Tuberculosis-its history, mode of transmission, sign & symptoms, free diagnosis and treatment, importance of nutrition and the available financial incentives offered by the government. He stressed on the importance of stigma reduction and discrimination of TB patients at home and work place, to make the mission of ‘End TB’ successful. While highlighting the newer initiatives like TPT, he urged the household contacts of Pulmonary TB cases to come forward for screening to get the benefit of TPT.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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