Shillong, March 24 : The Office of the State Tuberculosis Officer, National Health Mission, observed World Tuberculosis Day 2025 today, aligning with the global theme “Yes We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver.”
Health Minister Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh, speaking at the event, stressed the importance of ensuring that TB patients receive all available government assistance, beyond just screening. She acknowledged the significant role of traditional healers, who handle a substantial portion of treatments in the state, and urged their involvement in TB elimination efforts.
Dr. Lyngdoh congratulated the 625 villages identified as TB-free, highlighting this as a positive message for the state. She emphasized the value of community participation in understanding the disease from the perspective of patients and affected communities, and in addressing barriers to care.
Meghalaya launched a 100-Days TB Elimination Campaign in December 2024, focusing on awareness, health camps, and free testing in the five districts with higher TB burdens: East Khasi Hills, Ri Bhoi, East Garo Hills, West Garo Hills, and South Garo Hills. The campaign has notified 4573 cases, with 867 testing positive since December 7th. Meghalaya has been recognized as a top-performing state in this campaign.
Dr. A. J. Rynjah, Assistant Programme Officer, NTEP, noted that TB remains a leading infectious disease globally. She highlighted India’s significant efforts in TB elimination, including case detection, treatment, and community-based initiatives, which have resulted in a decline in TB cases that is twice the global average. Dr. Rynjah detailed Meghalaya’s accelerated TB detection efforts, including the deployment of digital handheld mobile X-ray units (15 units across all districts), 93 NAT machines (including CB-NAT and TrueNat machines), enabling high rates of molecular diagnosis. She also outlined the NTEP’s Comprehensive TB Plan, which provides free transport and testing for TB patients, and incentivizes TB-free villages through Village Health Councils (VHCs).
Arki Nengnong, a TB survivor who received skill development training from MSSDS, Mawphlang, emphasized that TB is curable with early detection, treatment, and proper nutrition. He expressed gratitude to medical staff and the Meghalaya State Skill Development Society for their support.
The Meghalaya government has implemented several initiatives to enhance TB diagnosis and treatment, including the Culture and Drug Susceptibility Testing (C&DST) facility at R.P. Chest Hospital, Shillong, which has improved the diagnosis of drug-resistant TB. The government has also “adopted” over 4500 TB patients under the “Meghalaya Comprehensive TB Care” program, becoming a “Universal Ni-kshay Mitra,” and is providing nutritional kits to patients and their families.
The event included the presentation of awards to TB-free villages in East Khasi Hills District, and district awards in various categories. The event was attended by key dignitaries from the health department, government administration, and the National Health Mission.
