Meghalaya observes World Tuberculosis Day 2025, highlights progress in TB elimination

The Office of the State Tuberculosis Officer, National Health Mission, observed World Tuberculosis Day 2025, aligning with the global theme, “Yes We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver.” The event focused on Meghalaya’s ongoing initiatives to eliminate tuberculosis through screening, treatment, and community engagement.

Dr Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh, Health Minister of Meghalaya, addressed the gathering, stating that the objective is not only to complete TB screening but also to ensure that all patients receive the assistance permitted by the government. She emphasised the role of traditional healers, who account for 36 percent of treatments across the state, in bridging gaps in identification, testing, and treatment.

She acknowledged the 625 TB-free villages identified in the state, noting that community participation is integral to understanding the disease from the patients’ perspective. She highlighted the role of affected communities in identifying barriers within the TB care cascade.

In December 2024, Meghalaya launched the 100-Days TB Elimination Campaign to raise awareness, organise health camps, and provide free TB tests and chest X-rays. The campaign has been implemented in five districts with a high TB burden: East Khasi Hills, Ri Bhoi, East Garo Hills, West Garo Hills, and South Garo Hills. In 2024, the programme notified 4,573 TB cases, and since December 7, 867 patients have tested positive. Meghalaya has been recognised as a top-performing state in the campaign.

Dr A. J. Rynjah, Assistant Programme Officer, NTEP, stated that TB remains one of the most infectious disease killers worldwide, but Meghalaya has made progress in case detection and treatment coverage. She noted that these efforts have contributed to an 18 per cent decline in TB cases, surpassing the global average decline of 8.3 per cent.

She highlighted Meghalaya’s accelerated TB detection efforts, which include 15 digital handheld mobile X-ray units, 93 NAT machines, and 13 CB-NAT machines. These tools have resulted in 85 per cent upfront molecular diagnosis. She also spoke about the Comprehensive TB Plan introduced by NTEP, which provides free transport for TB patient to diagnostic centres and ensures free testing. Villages participating in the programme are incentivised for achieving TB-free status, with Village Health Councils (VHCs) playing a key role in TB elimination efforts.

Arki Nengnong, a TB survivor, shared his experience, stating that TB is curable through early detection, treatment, and proper nutrition. He expressed gratitude to doctors and medical staff for their support and spoke about his skill development training at MSSDS, Mawphlang, which provided employment opportunities.

The Meghalaya Government has introduced several initiatives to strengthen diagnostic facilities. In March 2024, the Culture and Drug Susceptibility Testing (C&DST) facility was inaugurated at R.P. Chest Hospital, Shillong, enhancing diagnostic capabilities for drug-resistant TB cases. The government has also adopted 4,500 TB patients under the 100-Days TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, making Meghalaya a “Universal Ni-kshay Mitra”. Meghalaya remains the only state to provide an additional payout of ₹2,000 per month to TB patients for nutritional support.

Villages in East Khasi Hills District received awards for achieving TB-free status, and additional district awards were distributed under various categories.

Dignitaries in attendance included Dr Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh, Health Minister of Meghalaya; Smti. D. Kharshiing, Additional Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills; Dr. J. S. Momin, Director of Health Services (MI); Dr Neela Kharsohnoh, Director of Health Services (MCH&FW) cum Joint MD, NHM; Dr P. Chyne, Joint Director of Health Services (MI); Dr. A. J. Rynjah, Assistant Programme Officer, NTEP; Dr M. Syiemlieh, State Tuberculosis Officer, and officials from the State Tuberculosis Office and National Health Mission.