Talk on TB and HIV

NAMSAI, May 08: A significant radio talk focusing on tuberculosis (TB) and HIV was conducted at the Community Radio Centre located at Mahabodhi Lord Buddha College, here on Wednesday.

District TB officer-cum-district AIDS Control Officer (DTO-cum-DACO), Dr Padi Tala, and medical officer at the OST-cum-FIART Centre, Dr Sweta Namchoom, led the discussion.

During the broadcast, Tala provided an extensive overview of the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) and delved into the complexities of TB, its types, symptoms, treatment options, and the co-morbidity of TB with HIV. He highlighted the increased risk of contracting TB for individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and other diseases.

Tala further discussed various schemes under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP) such as the Nikshay Poshan Yojana, Tribal Support Scheme, and incentives for treatment supporters and informants. He emphasized the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukht Bharat Abhiyaan, which supports consenting TB patients with a free food basket provided by Nikshay Mitras.

Namchoom spoke about HIV/AIDS, its transmission routes, clinical stages, and the distinction between HIV and AIDS. She outlined the free screening services available at hospitals and community health centers in Namsai district and discussed the support services offered by various NGOs in compliance with the National AIDS Control Organisation guidelines.

Both doctors urged listeners to disseminate the information shared during the program to enhance community awareness about TB and HIV/AIDS and to promote health and prevention strategies in the region. The program aimed to educate the public on these critical health issues and the available medical support in Namsai.