Kohima, Nagaland: Nagaland is pulling out all the stops in its fervent campaign to eradicate tuberculosis by 2025, strategically roping in religious leaders to dismantle stigma and amplify awareness across the state. This novel approach, leveraging the profound influence of faith, could be the game-changer in achieving the ambitious target.
Governor La Ganesan chaired a pivotal review meeting at Raj Bhavan, Kohima, on Monday, assessing the strides made under the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. The discussions revealed a comprehensive plan that taps into Nagaland’s strong religious fabric to penetrate even the most secluded pockets, where TB detection often proves elusive.
The Governor underscored the unparalleled sway religious leaders wield in addressing the societal stigma clinging to tuberculosis, a barrier that frequently deters patients from seeking timely medical help. This community-centric strategy marks a significant pivot from purely clinical interventions to a more socially inclusive model of healthcare delivery.
Health Minister Paiwang Konyak detailed the department’s multi-pronged offensive, which includes fortifying surveillance, enhancing access to treatment, and launching targeted outreach programmes for vulnerable populations. The state has intensified its ground efforts in remote terrains where healthcare accessibility remains a persistent challenge.
A significant takeaway from the meeting was the renewed impetus on enlisting more Nikshay Mitras – benevolent donors who extend nutritional and social succour to TB patients. Officials highlighted that adequate nutrition dramatically improves treatment outcomes and the overall quality of life for patients, underscoring the critical role of community support in ensuring successful recovery.
Commissioner and Secretary Anoop Khinchi shed light on ongoing prevention initiatives and early detection schemes. The department has prioritised inter-sectoral coordination, recognising that the ambitious goal of TB elimination necessitates collaborative efforts extending far beyond the health sector.
Representing the Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary Y. Kikheto Sema announced forthcoming special health camps across all districts. These targeted drives are designed to expedite case detection and guarantee immediate access to treatment, particularly in underserved regions.
The meeting also presented granular TB prevalence data, alongside updates on diagnostic services, treatment adherence rates, and the invaluable contributions of community health workers under the National TB Elimination Programme. Officials presented encouraging strides in outreach activities, though acknowledged the persistent challenges in reaching the very furthest communities.
Church leaders and other faith-based organisations are poised to play a central role in this revamped strategy, aiding in the dissemination of vital information and fostering behavioural shifts at the grassroots level. This approach judiciously acknowledges the deep-rooted religious connections prevalent within Nagaland’s diverse communities.
Nagaland’s holistic approach, marrying modern medical interventions with established community networks, could well serve as a blueprint for other northeastern states grappling with similar healthcare delivery hurdles in challenging, remote geographies.
All stakeholders present reiterated their unwavering commitment to intensive collaboration, expressing collective confidence that the 2025 TB elimination target is well within reach through sustained community engagement and a reinforced healthcare system.