Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 91/12

WORLD TB DAY

Shillong, March 24, 2012: The Meghalaya State Tuberculosis Control Society observed World TB Day in collaboration with NRHM, MACS, CMAI and CBCI on 24th March 2012. The Theme of the World TB Day Campaign 2012 “Stop TB in my Lifetime” allows people all over the world to make an individual call to stop TB in their lifetimes. The campaign message is “We want ZERO TB Deaths and A World Free of TB”

Addressing the gathering as Chief Guest Mr P B O Warjri, Additional Chief Secretary, said that this day is observed because TB is affecting many people worldwide especially the poorer sections of the society. Inspite of the fact that India is one of the emerging economic powers, the majority of the Indians continue to live in poverty. Therefore, these poor people are most vulnerable and likely to be affected by TB.

The chief guest further stressed that people should be aware of TB and understands the nature of the disease. He also advised the patients not to feel shy but to diagnose early, take proper medication and treatment of the disease till the doctor declares free from it since TB is curable.

Rev. W C Khongwir, Administrative Secretary, K J P Assembly, the special guest on the occasion, congratulated and supported the state government and other NGOs for their dedicated service in eradication of TB.

Dr. S M Ryntathiang, JE Director Meghalaya State TB Officer, delivered the keynote address. According to her, the program is designed to build public awareness that Tuberculosis today remains an epidemic, causing the death of several million people each year, mostly in developing countries. It commemorates the day in 1882 when Dr Robert Koch astounded scientific community by announcing that he had discovered the cause of Tuberculosis, and subsequently opened the way towards diagnosing and curing TB.

In 2011, out of 1640 TB patients (new cases) about 56 lives were lost due to TB, 107 defaulters’ and 85 failures. This statistics is very alarming which needs to be checked and become more vigilant. Mentioned is also made about the implementation of DOTS PLUS for the treatment of the MDR TB patients in which 5 patients based in the culture and sensitivity test have been put on treatment with effect from 16th February 2012 for 2 patients in Tura and 3 patients in Shillong on the 2nd March 2012.

Earlier, in the program Dr. C B Sangma, DHS (MCH) welcomed the gathering and Sr Mabel, President, Community Health Association of Shillong proposed the vote of thanks. Slogan competition, puppet show was also organized. The names of the best DOTS providers were also announced during the program.