NONGPOH, June 30: A sensitisation programme for the headmen under Umling C & RD Block was on Friday organised by the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP) in collaboration with the office of the Block Development Officer of Umling C&RD Block.
The programme was aimed at creating awareness on tuberculosis (TB) and emphasised the role of headmen in ensuring elimination of TB at village level.
State Tuberculosis Officer, Dr. M. Mawrie, in his address, mentioned that while the sustainable goal of the world is to eliminate TB by 2030, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a target of achieving this goal by 2025.
He informed that 193 out of every lakh people get infected with TB, leading to 34 deaths per lakh due to the disease.
Highlighting the availability of medicines for treatment of TB, Dr. Mawrie urged the gathering to take the early signs and symptoms seriously.
He also informed the gathering about various government schemes aimed at providing support to patients until their treatment concludes.
Calling for an end to stigmatisation of TB patients, he encouraged individuals to become donors or mitra, who provide support to TB patients for six months or longer, including nutritional assistance and assistance with required tests.
To claim the TB-free village award, Dr. Mawrie also outlined the necessary steps that headmen need to follow.
Meanwhile, Dr. Agniswar Das, representing the Piramal Foundation, emphasised the need for village-wise population screening, sensitisation and awareness programmes to mobilise the community.
Das stressed the importance of door-to-door screening, timely sputum collection and prompt testing for effective screening of TB.
