Meghalaya observed World Tuberculosis Day 2023 under the theme “Yes! We can End TB”, at a programme held today at U Soso Tham Auditorium here.
The programme was organised by the Office of the Mission Director, National Health Mission, Meghalaya. Health and Family Welfare Minister, Ampareen Lyngdoh, attended the programme as chief guest.
Speaking at the programme, Lyngdoh stated that TB is a life threatening disease but is preventable and curable with regular and proper medication. While lauding the continuous efforts put in by the medical fraternity of the state, the minister said that they are torch bearers in the goal of eradicating TB by 2025, which is in line with the National Strategic Plan (NSP) for TB.
Lyngdoh also called upon the collective efforts of all stakeholders in combating this deadly disease and expressed hope that with the changed perception the target can be achieved as per the NSP. She also stressed that community participation plays a vital role in clearing the myths revolving around TB and ensuring that proper awareness at the grassroots can be achieved.
During the programme, Lyngdoh and other dignitaries presented the Sub National Certification to East Khasi Hills for bagging a silver medal, carrying a cash prize of Rs 3 lakh, and a bronze medal carrying a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh each was presented to West Jaintia Hills, West Garo Hills and West Khasi Hills.
The certification is a process of setting up benchmarks, evaluation for pre-requisites for claims and detailed process for verification by districts and states and its verification through an independent agency by the Union Health Ministry followed by certification and award.
During the programme, awards were also presented to Ri-Bhoi, East Garo Hills and South Garo Hills districts by NHM Meghalaya for their efforts in taking proactive steps in reducing TB cases. The award carries a citation and a cash prize of Rs 50,000 each.
Awards were also presented to the winners of the drawing competition in the junior and senior grades and TB warriors/champions who have been cured and have fully recovered from the disease were also felicitated.
