Kohima: Nagaland Governor La Ganesan has called for a unified commitment from political leaders, civil societies, and government officials to eliminate tuberculosis (TB) in the state and contribute to making India TB-free.
Addressing the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan at Raj Bhavan, Kohima, the Governor urged everyone to become ‘Nikshay Mitras’—supporters of TB patients—under the Central scheme aimed at tackling the disease through collaborative community support.
“Let us commit to adopting TB patients from our respective localities and disseminate the message of this noble cause far and wide,” Ganesan stated, emphasizing that collective efforts could accelerate the fight against TB.
As part of the event, legislators, bureaucrats, and officials pledged to adopt and support at least one TB patient each. Governor Ganesan underscored the role of nutrition and community engagement in combating TB, highlighting that 410 Nikshay Mitras in Nagaland are currently supporting over 1,000 TB patients. He expressed confidence that such efforts would lead to a TB-free Nagaland and contribute to the national goal of eradicating the disease by 2025.
Nagaland’s Tourism and Higher Education Minister, Temjen Imna Along, praised the Governor’s personal involvement, noting that Ganesan is supporting 36 TB patients. Along lauded the progress of the Nikshay Mitra Campaign and emphasized the importance of sustained collective action.
Commissioner and Secretary of Health and Family Welfare, Anoop Khinchi, stressed that voluntary community involvement could help reduce stigma and discrimination associated with TB while spreading awareness and accelerating the response to the disease.
Mission Director of the Nagaland Health Mission, Dr. Akuo Sorhie, provided updates on the state’s TB elimination efforts, reporting improvements in case detection and treatment outcomes. Dimapur has the highest TB burden in the state, but significant progress has been made, with 78 villages achieving TB-free status in 2023 under the TB Mukt Panchayat Initiative.
Dr. Sorhie announced the launch of a 100-day intensified TB elimination campaign starting December 7, as part of a nationwide push toward the 2025 target. She also emphasized the importance of screening, contact tracing, and nutritional support provided under the Nikshay Poshan Yojana, which has enhanced financial assistance for TB patients.
With 3,018 TB cases recorded in Nagaland till September, strong political will and the active involvement of civil societies remain critical to tackling the disease. Dr. Sorhie urged leaders to take a more active role in sustaining the momentum of TB eradication initiatives and addressing the challenges ahead.
Read More: Assam Governor Encourages Student Participation in ‘Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue’