SHILLONG: Meghalaya is making an all out effort to eliminate tuberculosis, incidence of which has decreased considerably in the State over the years.
As the State gears up to observe the World Tuberculosis Day under the theme ‘Unite to end TB’, on Friday, State Tuberculosis Officer M. Hooroo says that detection and systematic treatment have helped in reducing the number of TB cases in Meghalaya.
She informed that while in 2015 the number of TB cases in the State was 4675, it went down to 4268 reported cases in 2016. TB cases have shown a gradual decrease after the implementation of Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) which has made considerable coverage since its launch in October, 2003, she said.
When asked whether cases of TB was higher in rural areas, Hooroo said the disease was prevalent in both rural and urban areas.
She, however, pointed out that people were now more aware about the nature of the disease. “If one member of a family is suffering from TB, people make it a point to bring others for screening,” she said.
Stating that there are 67 designated microscopy centres (DMCs) in the State where sputum examination can be done, Hooroo said, “Rural people are more aware of the implications of the disease and community awareness also plays an important role.”
Hooroo furrhter said, “TB has been there since ancient times but not diagnosed. With the advancement in medical science, TB diagnosis was made possible.
“The fight to eradicate TB has now been taken up by private hospitals as well. Cases of TB in private hospitals have to be notified to the government.”
She also called for concerted efforts from NGOs, community and religious leaders in the fight to eradicate TB.
