IMPHAL, Mar 25 : As celebrated in many parts of the world the state also celebrated the 28th World TB Day 2009 today at the Kangla Hall in Imphal under the theme “I am Stopping TB” by state TB Cell, Manipur. Prizes of a painting competition held on the occasion were also distributed.
V Vumlunmang, IAS, secretary health and family welfare as chief guest said that in the earlier days TB treatment was taken to be a difficult task but now with DOTS most of the patients were cured.
A service provider of DOTS expressed that if we suspect TB then we should go to a nearby healthcare centre and get the benefit of DOTS treatment.
As appreciation of the works of the service providers prizes were also given away on the occasion.
During the function the dignitaries gave medicines under dots to some of the patients who are under treatment. The function was also attended by TB patients, cured patients and those under treatment.
Dr. W Motilal Singh, director of health services, Manipur and Dr. L Fimate, director of RIMS, Lamphelpat were the president and guest of honour of the function respectively.
A painting competition was organised to give awareness to the small children about TB. A total of 224 students participated from 36 schools and the organisers expressed that due to the exams the participants were less but expected it would increase in the next year.
A cash prize of Rs. 5000, Rs. 3000 and Rs. 2000 were awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd position holders along with Rs. 300 as consolation prize with a certificate each.
In the state level H Achouba of Catholic School, Canchipur, M Bitesh of Ereima English School and Mathidibou of Tamenglong got 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions respectively.
In district level Imphal West Rani of Laijing Ningthou Junior School, L Vigita Devi and Yaiphabi of Meera Public School, Mongsangei got 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions respectively.
In district level Imphal East K Marina of Maria Montessori Sr. Sec School, Koirengei, N Derek of Eagle High School, Dingku Road and H Rabichandra of St Joseph’s English School, Andro got 1st, 2nd and 3rd position respectively.
M Kaimuanthang adds from Ccpur: In commemoration of the ` World TB Day Obseravtion 2009` under the theme `I am stopping TB`, a media advocacy meeting was organised by the EHA - Advocacy, Communication and Social Mobilistaion (ACSM) for Tb Control Project/AIGUPTA with the local media this afternoon at the AIGUPTA office at Red Cross Road.
At the advocacy meeting Ngaibiaklun hosted the discussion on topics related to TB and its co-infection with HIV.
She said that most of the people living with TB have the practice of giving up taking of medicines which they procured from RNTCP on the false pretext that it is not good in quality as it is supplied free of cost. They purchased the medicines from the pharmacies but after sometime give it up due to monetary problems.
She said the AIGUPTA project meaning ‘Action Integrated Genders ` United Participating In Transformation Approach’ has been set up with an intent and purpose to change this mindset and also make at least all the DOTS providers fully functional in and around the town areas.
While stating why the EHA/AIGUPTA took the rsponsibility to spread an awareness of TB, she said HIV and TB are inalienable and have gone hand in hand. Out of 100 HIV+ people 50 are usually from TB, she said.
Stating they have now been focussing on the marginalised people i.e. IDUs and the commercial sex workers and working with the community support group, she said they have been trying to facilitate TB awareness, facility and treatment.
Maintaining that among the people availing treatment at the RNTCP there are three groups and among them those with TB infection in the lungs can infect people, she said that if they have taken the medicine upto 10/14 times already they are not that much contagious.
Chinkhanmang, while highlighting the importance of the press in spreading of awareness programmes, said in India every three minutes one person died of TB and it was only the media which could help in spreading awareness of TB.
He has also highlighted the achievements of the AIPUGTA within a short stint of three years.