World Tuberculosis Month being observed across Meghalaya

Staff Reporter

Shillong, March 11: On the occasion of World TB Month, The Sohra Tuberculosis Unit under The District TB Office, East Khasi Hills District observed World Tuberculosis Month through health sensitization and Quiz competition at Sohra Presbyterian Girls Hostel (Nongsawlia).

While addressing the gathering, Dr G.E Swett, Medical Officer Tuberculosis Centre, Sohra TU explains the details about TB. Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) that most often affect the lungs.

TB can affect any part of the body except hair and nails. The symptoms of TB include a cough that lasts for two weeks and more, fever, night sweats and weight loss. TB is preventable and curable with the right treatment. The minimum treatment for TB is six months.

Stating that prevention is better than cure, he stressed on the importance of personal hygiene and cleanliness. It is essential to maintain one’s health and everyone needs to follow a healthy lifestyle and keep themselves fit and healthy. He also taught that TB is of two types that is Pulmonary TB which mainly affects the lungs and Extra Pulmonary TB which affects other parts of the body.

In the keynote address, Fillanstar Khongsit STS of Sohra TU highlighted the importance of Active Case Finding. It is a systematic screening for active TB, normally outside of health facilities. The Tuberculosis Unit is actively doing the ACF in all villages under the leadership of the health facilities and ASHA of the village level.

On this day Daphishisha Rinbon a TB champion was also present in the programme and shared her testimony about her success story and how she has completely been cured of TB because of the right and timely treatment. She also gave credit to the Health Department for providing the necessary treatment free of charge.