Nagaland’s State TB Cell under the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare held its quarterly review meeting for the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) on September 3 in Kohima, reviewing progress and strengthening strategies to accelerate tuberculosis elimination in the state. State TB Officer Dr Akum Jamir outlined ongoing NTEP initiatives and the 100 Days Campaign, stressing the importance of continuous screening, early diagnosis and systematic treatment. He noted that tuberculosis remains a major public health challenge, with India accounting for around 28 per cent of the global TB burden, and emphasised the need for stronger implementation at the state and district levels. The review highlighted improvements in diagnostic services, including the growing use of rapid molecular tests and chest X-rays at block and district facilities, while sputum microscopy is increasingly being used for follow-up. Screening efforts are also focusing on high-risk and vulnerable groups, with digital tools under the Ni-kshay platform being used to support monitoring and improve treatment outcomes. WHO Consultant Dr Collins Z Sono presented Nagaland’s TB reduction progress from 2015 to 2024, reporting a 19 per cent decline in TB incidence and an 18 per cent reduction in mortality. He urged health officials to establish weekly screening and treatment targets, make maximum use of available diagnostic facilities and ensure real-time data entry on the Ni-kshay portal. The meeting also reviewed district-level strategic plans and discussed awareness and communication activities, availability of medicines, NGO participation and X-ray services. Officials stressed that stronger coordination, regular monitoring and timely intervention will be essential to sustain progress and move Nagaland closer to the goal of eliminating tuberculosis.
