Discussion on ways to eliminate TB held at Kohima

A meeting was conducted to eliminate TB by National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) at the IDSP Conference Hall, Directorate of Health and Family Welfare (H&FW) Kohima, wherein members deliberated on effective ways to achieve the programme's target indicators, increase screening and eliminate Tuberculosis (TB). NTEP, H&FW in a press release stated that the meeting was attended by Districts TB Officers (DTOs) and World Health Organization (WHO) consultants. State TB Officer, Dr. Tiasunup Pongener, in the meeting, encouraged DTOs and staff to put more effort for TB Elimination. Mission Director (NHM), Dr. Thorhusie Katiry appreciated NTEP for conducting the review meetings and also encouraged all to strive harder to achieve the programme's target indicators.

WHO medical consultant, Dr Palsah Talukdar stressed community support for TB patients and the importance of making sure that patients' consent was taken.

In a presentation on state performance, WHO medical consultant, Dr. Collins Z Sono said Kiphire district has screened more than 3000 presumptive TB individuals followed by Longleng district screening more than 2000 in the first quarter from January- March 2022. Notification achievement from the first quarter was 87%, Dr. Sono said. He further added that districts like Dimapur, Kiphire and Mon have achieved it whereas Peren, Phek and Tuensang districts need to increase notification achievement. According to him the success rate was 83% and HIV known status for TB patients was 96%.

WHO medical consultant, Dr. Palsah Talukdar stressed community support for TB patients and the importance of making sure that patients' consent was taken. The members also discussed topics like Nikshay Mitra, District strategic plan, ACDM, Nikshay Aushadhi, multisectoral coordination, engagement of service providers (NGOs) and newer initiatives during the meeting.