From Our Correspondent
NONGPOH/TURA, March 24: Along with the rest of the world, World Tuberculosis Day was observed on Friday at Science Hall Nongpoh in Ri-Bhoi under the theme ‘Yes! We can end TB’.
Organised by the Office of the District Tuberculosis Officer, Ri-Bhoi, the programme was attended by officials from different line departments, including Ri-Bhoi Deputy Commissioner Arpit Upadhayay as the chief guest, ASHA workers, TB champions, teachers, schoolchildren, et al.
The DC, in his address, appreciated the efforts of the doctors, ASHAs, among others, towards elimination of TB.
He emphasised that TB elimination cannot be achieved by the health system alone and requires the collective efforts and support of all members in the community.
Some of the highlights of the programme include distribution of awards to the Best Survey Team, appreciation to donors of TB patients in the district, school rallies, slogans and painting completion.
The program ended with the World TB Pledge.
Meanwhile, in Garo Hills, the day was observed at Edenbari Health and Wellness Centre in Tura, West Garo Hills, and at Rongjeng Reserve UP School in Rongjeng, East Garo Hills.
In Tura, the programme was organised by National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) West Garo Hills, and was attended by district officials.
District Tuberculosis Officer, WGH, Dr. EA Sangma, in her address, explained in detail about the symptoms and treatment of tuberculosis and that the government is providing free medication including nutritious food for patients.
During the programme, winners of essay and drawing competitions were awarded prizes while an open quiz contest on tuberculosis was also organised for school students.
Meanwhile, in Ronjeng, the programme was attended by Dambo-Rongjeng Block Development Officer Ruby Balkame R Sangma as the chief guest, who urged the students to take care of emotions and spiritual life, take care of the society and the environment to shape their future.