Nagaland observes World TB Day

Honours TB-free villages and launches 100-day campaign

DIMAPUR, MACH 24 (MExN): World Tuberculosis Day 2026 was observed across Nagaland on March 24 under the theme ‘Yes! We Can End TB; Led by Bharat, Powered by Janbhagidari,’ with districts organising programmes to raise awareness, felicitate TB-free villages, and launch intensified campaigns aimed at eliminating tuberculosis.

In Kohima, the District Tuberculosis Elimination Programme and NHM Nagaland marked the day at the DC Conference Hall, where 22 villages were recognised under the TB Mukt Panchayat initiative. The awards included one gold, four silver and 17 bronze categories, with Seiyha Phesa village receiving the gold for sustained TB-free status. Certificates, along with Mahatma Gandhi statues—bronze for first-year achievers, silver for two consecutive years, and gold for three years—were presented.

Deputy Commissioner and Chairman of the District TB Forum, B. Henok Buchem, spoke on the historical toll of tuberculosis, stating, “TB has claimed an estimated one billion lives globally, making it one of the deadliest diseases in history.” He urged continued vigilance, noting that cases rose after the COVID-19 pandemic due to treatment interruptions. “Awareness, early detection and completion of medication are key to eliminating TB,” he said, while encouraging village leaders to cooperate with screening efforts and take ownership of the campaign within their communities.

District TB Officer Dr. Chibenthung Kithan highlighted the role of community participation, stating that collective efforts remain central to achieving a TB-free status.

At Mokokchung, the observance was held at the CMO Conference Hall alongside the launch of the 100 Days TB campaign. Speaking at the programme, EAC Chubamongla said, “We celebrate TB Day as a reminder to renew our commitment and spread awareness on TB.” She called for support from NGOs and village councils to strengthen implementation.

Delivering the keynote address, District TB Officer Dr. R. Toshimenla Jamir said tuberculosis continues to be a major public health challenge affecting millions globally. “This year’s theme reflects a shift from ambition to action, powered by collective efforts across governments, communities and individuals,” she said, adding that TB is preventable and treatable with timely intervention. Three villages—Mekuli (silver), Kelingmen and Moalenden (bronze)—were recognised during the programme.

In Wokha, 37 villages were felicitated, including two gold achievers—Mekirang and Okhaeyan—eight silver and 27 bronze awardees, marking an improvement from the previous year. Deputy Commissioner Vineet Kumar said discipline in treatment and early diagnosis are crucial, urging citizens to come forward for testing. The programme also saw the launch of the 100 Days TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.

Zunheboto observed the day at the Chief Medical Office, where Pughoboto and Shichimi villages received silver awards, while Asukhuto, Lumithsami and Shotomi were awarded bronze. Deputy Commissioner Dharam Raj said tuberculosis, once known as the “white plague,” remains a challenge but can be addressed through collective action. “The government aims to eliminate TB by 2030, and community support is essential to achieve this goal,” he said, while urging public participation in the ongoing 100-day campaign.

In Phek, 26 TB-free villages were recognised, including 15 gold, eight silver and three bronze achievers. Deputy Commissioner Rhosietho Nguori stressed the importance of grassroots awareness, stating, “The right information must reach the grassroots level to achieve our goal.” The district also launched its intensified campaign focusing on door-to-door screening in vulnerable and hard-to-reach areas.

Dimapur combined the observance with a District AIDS Prevention and Control Committee meeting at Hotel Saramati. Chief Medical Officer Dr. T. Yetovi Tuccu said, “India accounts for nearly 25 percent of global TB cases, with over three lakh deaths annually,” adding that free testing, treatment and nutritional support are being provided by the government. Deputy Commissioner Dr. Tinojongshi Chang noted that stigma remains a barrier. “We must ensure that people are aware TB is curable and that patients are not discriminated against,” he said. Eleven villages were felicitated, and the 100-day campaign targeting high-risk areas and groups was launched.

Longleng observed the day at the VCC and VDB Association Complex, where Deputy Commissioner W. Manpai Phom highlighted the link between TB elimination and broader public health goals. He stressed early diagnosis and timely treatment while calling for community participation. The programme concluded with the flag-off of the intensified 100-day campaign.

In Mon, TB Mukt Panchayat awards were presented to villages across blocks, while Nikshay Mitra awards recognised individuals supporting TB patients. District TB Officer Dr. Ngopelo Keviechu said, “TB anywhere is TB everywhere,” urging a united response to the disease. ADC Pakon Phom added that eliminating TB requires participation beyond the health sector, calling on communities to take ownership of the mission.

Nagaland launches 100-day TB elimination campaign

Kohima, March 24 (MExN): Nagaland Minister for Health & Family Welfare, P Paiwang Konyak, formally launched the ‘TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’ 100-day campaign in commemoration of World TB Day on March 24.

The event was held at the Directorate of Health & Family Welfare (DoHFW), Kohima in the presence of the Additional Secretary, Principal Director and other senior officials of the department.

Flagging off the Ni-Kshay Vahaan for community outreach, the Minister extended his best wishes to all health professionals for the successful implementation of the campaign. The initiative is aimed at the elimination of tuberculosis through intensified, targeted and technology-driven interventions across the State.

DoHFW Principal Director, Dr Mereninla Senlem, elaborated on the objectives of the campaign, highlighting the need to identify all missing cases through proactive screening of vulnerable populations. 
She emphasised efforts to prevent and reduce tuberculosis-related mortality through a personalised and patient-centric approach, strengthen differentiated TB care along with nutritional support, and prevent new cases by ensuring systematic screening and provision of TB preventive treatment.