Calls for Community, Faith-Based Collaboration to Eradicate Tuberculosis by 2025
Kohima: In a high-level review meeting held at the Raj Bhavan on Monday, Nagaland Governor La Ganesan emphasized the vital role of community engagement and social responsibility in the success of the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. Stressing the need to destigmatize tuberculosis (TB), the governor called for active collaboration with religious leaders and faith-based organisations to raise awareness and promote timely treatment.
According to a statement from the Raj Bhavan’s Public Relations Officer, Governor Ganesan highlighted the transformative power of religious and community leaders in changing public perceptions about TB and encouraged public participation to achieve the national target of TB elimination by 2025.
The review meeting brought together top officials from the Department of Health and Family Welfare, where the governor acknowledged the department’s efforts but insisted that broader societal involvement is crucial to fighting TB effectively.
Governor Ganesan urged citizens, NGOs, and institutions to enroll as Nikshay Mitras, noting that nutritional and psychological support can significantly improve patient recovery and quality of life.
Health Minister P Paiwang Konyak outlined the department’s strategy, focusing on enhanced surveillance, increased treatment access, and targeted awareness campaigns for remote areas. He expressed confidence that with the governor’s leadership and public cooperation, Nagaland is on track to eliminate TB by the 2025 goal.
Health Secretary Anoop Khinchi shared updates on existing programmes such as early detection initiatives, adherence support, and inter-departmental collaboration. Meanwhile, Principal Secretary Y Kikheto Sema called for special district-level health camps and reiterated the importance of using the church network for TB outreach.
Officials also presented data on TB prevalence and interventions under the National TB Elimination Programme, highlighting the role of community health workers.
The meeting concluded with a united pledge from all stakeholders to strengthen collective efforts in making Nagaland TB-free by 2025.
