World Tuberculosis Day was observed in Ri-Bhoi today under the theme “Yes! We can end TB.” The event was organised by the office of the District Tuberculosis Officer.
The programme was attended by officials from different line departments, including the Deputy Commissioner of Ri Bhoi District, Shri Arpit Upadhayay IAS, who was the chief guest, Dr P.Kharnarry DM&HO as the guest of honour, Dr D.Blah, Addl.DM&HO, Dr. P.Pohshna, Medical Superintendents of Bethany Outreach Hospital Nongpoh, Shri B.Diengngan, DSP, Dr. N.M Sangma Medical Superintendent, Dr E.Kalwing District Tuberculosis Officer, and others.
The event also saw the participation of ASHAs, Donors of TB patients, TB Champion, teachers, school students, and others. In her keynote address, Dr E.Kalwing District Tuberculosis Officer talked about tuberculosis disease and its impact, stating that TB is a highly contagious disease caused by bacteria Mycobacterium Tuberculosis and is one of the oldest diseases known to mankind.
As part of the World TB Month 2023 observation, the District Tuberculosis office, NTEP Ri Bhoi, together with the office of the District Medical and Health Office, Nongpoh, organized various activities like awareness programmes, screening for four symptoms (cough for two weeks or more, fever, weight loss and night sweats), visiting TB patients on treatment at home, in the HWC, SCs, Dispensary, PHC, involving SHG, VO, and school students in wall painting competition and Rallies taking part by school students in three Blocks of the district.
Dr P Kharnarry, DM&HO, in his speech, emphasized that one of the challenges to end TB is smoking and urged every person to disseminate the message about the ill-effects of smoking to the unknown persons so that they will be aware of the bad effects of smoking and avoid smoking in public places.
The Deputy Commissioner, while speaking at the gathering, appreciated the tireless efforts rendered by all teams, such as doctors, ASHAs, staff, members of NGOs, including those partnerships with the Health Department for TB Elimination. TB elimination cannot be achieved by the health system alone, and it requires the efforts and collective support of all members in the community.
The program also included the distribution of Activity Awards to the Best Survey Team, handling of Appreciation to Donors of TB patients in the district, school rallies slogan, and painting completion. The event ended with the World TB Pledge. Overall, the event served as a platform to create awareness about tuberculosis and its impact and emphasized the need for collective action to end the disease.
