Our Bureau
SHILLONG/ TURA, March 24: Meghalaya has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving a TB-free status, with the state government intensifying efforts through awareness, early detection and community participation.
Speaking at the observance of World TB Day 2026 here on Tuesday, Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla highlighted the state’s progress in public health and stressed the need for continued collective action to eliminate tuberculosis.
He noted that despite Meghalaya being a matrilineal society, the state had earlier recorded one of the highest maternal mortality rates (MMR) and infant mortality indicators (IMI), even exceeding the national average.
The Minister observed that sustained efforts under the leadership of Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and the Health Department have led to a 56 per cent reduction in maternal mortality, bringing the rate below the national average.
Reiterating the government’s resolve to eradicate TB, Shylla appealed to citizens to cooperate with health authorities, stressing that treatment adherence is crucial. He warned that patients who discontinue treatment midway risk developing Multi-Drug Resistant TB (MDR-TB), which requires longer and more complex treatment.
He urged people to come forward for testing and complete their treatment, highlighting the government’s financial assistance of Rs 1,000 per month for TB patients. Shylla called upon community leaders to support patients through the Nikshay Mitra initiative, particularly by providing nutritional support, as TB significantly weakens immunity.
Speaking at the programme, Director of Health Services (MI), JS Momin, said TB is preventable, detectable and curable, if addressed early.
She highlighted the Government of India’s intensified 100-day TB-free India campaign, which focuses on targeted screening, AI-enabled technologies and community participation. The initiative marks a shift from passive detection to proactive identification of TB cases, especially among vulnerable populations, using tools such as portable handheld X-rays and integrated health camps.
Momin emphasised that while technology plays a key role, the success of the campaign depends on frontline health workers, community participation and efforts to reduce stigma.
Village health committees, she said, are crucial in encouraging early testing, supporting patients and bridging the gap between healthcare services and communities.
Meanwhile, National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme Assistant Programme Officer Dr Amica J Rynjah disclosed that around 80 per cent of villages in Meghalaya have been declared TB-free.
Of these, 80 villages have achieved Gold status for maintaining TB-free status for three consecutive years, while 224 have received Silver status for two consecutive years. Additionally, 954 villages were declared TB-free last year.
She announced the launch of Phase 2 of the Focus 100 Days campaign, aimed at intensifying active case finding, early diagnosis and timely treatment.
The campaign will also prioritise vulnerable groups, including previously affected individuals, malnourished persons, diabetics, people living with HIV, tobacco and alcohol users, senior citizens and those living in high-density settings.
Efforts will also focus on high-risk villages with a higher TB burden, ensuring that screening and healthcare services reach even the most remote areas.
Officials stressed that eliminating TB requires a whole-of-society approach, with greater awareness, early health-seeking behaviour and community support. Citizens were encouraged to volunteer as Nikshay Mitras to assist patients, especially in meeting their nutritional needs.
EGH launches Phase-II of 100-day TB campaign
The launch of Phase-II of the 100-day campaign on Monday marked the observance of World TB Day in East Garo Hills.
The campaign, launched by the District Tuberculosis Office, East Garo Hills, at Ampangdamgre, aims to boost TB detection, treatment, and prevention through intensified community engagement over the next 100 days.
Speaking as the chief guest, Additional Deputy Commissioner Diana Sangma urged the public to combat the stigma surrounding the disease. She emphasised that TB is both preventable and curable, stressing that early diagnosis and completing the full course of treatment are vital to saving lives. She called for collective efforts from health workers and families to support patients during their recovery.
During the programme, awards were presented to “TB-Free Villages.” The event also featured community screening drives, sputum collection camps, and capacity-building sessions for ASHA workers and volunteers.
Other speakers included Senior Medical & Health Officer Dr SR Marak and Dr Chrissie Pearly Sangma, who delivered the keynote address.
