The Department of Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland, launched the 100-Day Intensified Campaign on TB Elimination (Ni-Kshay Shivir) on December 7, 2024, at Seikhazou, D Khel Ground, Kohima. The initiative is part of India’s nationwide effort to eliminate tuberculosis (TB) by 2025, five years ahead of the global target set by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Health Minister P Paiwang Konyak, delivering the keynote address, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to achieving TB elimination by 2025. He emphasized the importance of collective action involving government agencies, NGOs, healthcare providers, and communities. The Minister assured that adequate funding and resources would be allocated to support the campaign’s implementation and ensure its success.
Dr Tseilhoutuo Rhutso, MLA, stressed the importance of collaborative efforts to eradicate TB. Speaking on the subject, he remarked, “TB is a disease known to everyone. While it is commonly associated with the lungs, it can also affect other organs such as the skin, bones, brain, and intestines.” He explained that negative TB test results might indicate a “latent” or “closed” infection rather than an absence of the disease, adding that skin tests may be more practical in some cases. Dr Rhutso urged public participation in the campaign, noting that active involvement is vital and aligns with democratic values. He also expressed his readiness to support the campaign to ensure its success.
Advisor Dr Kekhrielhoulie Yhome reflected on the historical challenges of TB eradication, acknowledging that earlier targets often fell short despite efforts. He described India’s 100-day TB Elimination Campaign as ambitious and called on stakeholders to address ground realities and gaps in public policy to ensure its successful implementation.
In his welcome address, Anoop Khinchi, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary of Health & Family Welfare, highlighted the critical importance of addressing TB, one of India’s most significant public health challenges. He noted that Nagaland reported 4,229 TB cases in 2023, with 3,018 new cases identified this year alone. The campaign aims to strengthen efforts in early detection, comprehensive treatment, and nutritional support for TB patients.
Dr Akuo Sorhie, MD (NHM), outlined the campaign’s focus on vulnerable groups, including high-risk populations such as household contacts of TB patients, individuals with HIV or diabetes, and the elderly. She emphasized the use of advanced diagnostic tools, such as AI-based X-ray screenings and molecular testing, to facilitate early detection. Nutritional support is a key component of the campaign, with ¹ 1,000 per month provided to patients under the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.
The launch event also featured the felicitation of Nikshay Mitras and TB Champions, along with the distribution of food baskets. The program concluded with the flag-off of the Ni-Kshay Vahan by Health Minister Paiwang Konyak, symbolizing the state’s intensified efforts to reach remote areas with diagnostic and treatment services. A host of MLAs, civil society leaders, officials, and other dignitaries attended the program.
Running until March 2025, the campaign aims to reduce stigma, raise awareness, and mobilize communities to take an active role in fighting TB. With sustained efforts and collaborative participation, Nagaland moves closer to its vision of becoming a TB-free state, ensuring improved health and dignity for all its citizens.
