Masses' movement to end tuberculosis (TB) launched in Pasighat

A CORRESPONDENT

PASIGHAT: A campaign to create awareness regarding tuberculosis (TB) among the general public in the district, named 'Jan Andolan' to end TB by 2025, was launched by the MLA of Pasighat East, Kaling Moyong at the Jarku Musup, here on Friday.

The mission was launched in the presence of JDHS of BPGH Dr D. Raina, MS Dr YR Darang, DTO (TB) Dr Taken Siram, PMC Chief Councillor Okiam Moyong Borang and her deputy Rebecca Panyang Megu, Mondal President Asar Padung and the general public of Jarku village and nearby areas.

In his brief address to the gathering, MLA Moyong informed that the main motive of the campaign was to make India a TB-free nation. At a time, when Covid is taking prioritized attention, we should not lose sight of the goal to eliminate TB by 2025 envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi adding that the fight against TB needs to be made into a Jan Andolan (a people's movement). An effective communication strategy is needed which would focus on reaching the maximum population with preventive, diagnostic and curative aspects of TB management and focus on community ownership and mobilization.

There is also a need to address stigma hugely as it is one of the biggest barriers and hinders people from coming forward for reporting the disease and availing of the treatment and therefore the councillors and PRI leaders could take a lead in the said campaign, the MLA opined.

JDHS Dr D. Raina while sharing lights on achievements on TB management in the district, appreciated the efforts of the District Tuberculosis Officer (DTO) Dr Taken Siram. Raina informed that the hard work of DTO shone at the national level and brought laurel for the district last year. Besides Pasighat TB hospital, all facilities are also available in BPGH to control and cure TB patients where the patients are treated with the newly-acquired diagnostic tools and medicines are provided free of cost, he informed. DTO Dr T. Siram shed light on early detection and cure of the disease and urged for a joint collaborative platform where all the partners could join hands and forces together in the elimination of TB by 2025 from East Siang in particular. Among the dignitaries who spoke on the occasion were MS Dr YR Darang and PMC Chief Councillor Okiam Moyong Borang.

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