Thirty-Six Kohima Villages Declared TB-Free

Kohima: Thirty-six villages in Kohima secured TB-free status in 2025. District tuberculosis officer Chiben Kithan confirmed the news Thursday during a meeting at the Kohima Deputy Commissioner conference hall. The event also marked the district joining the Joint Squad for Health campaign.

This campaign, run by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, leans on youth to drive awareness and community action. Kithan emphasized that free testing and nutrition remain the primary tools to kill off the disease. The government and local bodies have stepped up to help those still struggling with the illness.

The Nagaland government adopted 40 TB patients while the Naga Hospital Authority Kohima took on 30. These patients receive vital nutritional support. The Kohima District Planning and Development Board also opened a dedicated bank account to fund patient care.

Kithan told the crowd, "the primary hurdle in eliminating TB is the low turnout during screenings." He wants village councils to push for higher attendance when free camps arrive. Kohima Additional Deputy Commissioner Ruopfukuotuo Noudi noted that many residents mistakenly believe tuberculosis is a dead disease. To fight this complacency, the Government of India rolled out the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan to ensure total eradication.