Nagaland University, organised a sensitisation and awareness programme on tuberculosis (TB) followed by screening of participants at I. Ihoshe Kinimi Hall, Nagaland University, Lumami on 22nd September 2026. This was done under the aegis of TB-Free India – 100 Day Campaign 2026, which was relaunched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
The programme focused on raising awareness about tuberculosis, its prevention, early detection and the importance of timely screening medical intervention
Speaking as the Resource Person, Dr. Toshimenla Jamir, District Programme Officer, CD-II, Mokokchung, said, “Tuberculosis (TB) continues to cause a significant global public health issue as one of the oldest known infectious diseases affecting millions annually. There is a commitment to end TB which have been made repeatedly but progress remains low and is challenged by funding gaps and global uncertainty.
It requires reaffirming global ambition to timing commitments in turning commitments into action and it should be led by countries and powered by collective efforts across governments, communities and people affected by tuberculosis, civil society, donors, youth development banks, technical agencies, researchers, private sector etc. It also needs for sustained commitment, national leadership, adequate investment and active community participation.
TB is a major public health concern worldwide and it is the leading cause of death globally and you should know that India has the world’s highest TB burden. India accounts for 1/4 of the global TB burden and you should know that more than 40% of India population is infected with tuberculosis, 27 lakhs of 1 crore new cases are detected annually and nearly about 4 lakhs of people die every year in India and every day around 1,400 die every day somewhere across India people are dying of tuberculosis. And on top of that, even children about 2.2 lakhs are affected yearly by tuberculosis.
In terms of strategic vision, India follows the “Detect, Treat, Prevent, and Build” strategy to achieve the national goal of eliminating TB by 2030 through community participation, stigma-free primary healthcare services, and the leadership of TB champions. TB cannot be fought alone by the health system only, everybody should join hands in the fight, needs participation of community and the institutions in the society to play a critical role in filling the gaps, thereby contributing to the national goal to eliminate TB by 2030. TB is curable, testing is simple and free, treatment is free.”
Addressing the gathering Chief Guest Prof. Joy Das Finance Officer Incharge, Nagaland University, said, “University have a responsibility not only to impart academic knowledge to students, but also to create awareness about important social programs to make society a better place.
Highlighting the awareness program on tuberculosis, Dr. Das noted that while many people recognize the name TB, public understanding remains limited regarding its symptoms, preventive measures, and cures. Stressing that the greatest challenge of the disease is the social stigma and fear attached to it, which often prevents people from coming forward for testing. Dr. Das called on students and scholars to use their credibility as educated members of society to discuss TB openly with friends, families, and communities.
Dr. Das commended the Government of India’s TB-Free India campaign as a vital opportunity for collective commitment, praised the inclusion of an on-site TB screening session following the speeches, and concluded by emphasizing that TB is preventable, it is treatable, TB is curable, and there should not be any stigma associated with tuberculosis”
The sensitisation session was followed by TB screening of participants by providing an opportunity for early identification and referral, where required. Following the screening, 69 number of people screened for TB. The programme was coordinated by a committee comprising, Mr. Kahoshe Sumi (DR, GAD), Dr. Moyasungkum (SMO), Ms. Lanumenla (Nursing Officer), and Mr. Peter Ki (PRO).
The TB-Free India 100-Day Campaign at Nagaland University highlights the role of educational institutions in supporting public health initiatives by bringing health awareness and screening together within the university community and encourage informed health-seeking practices and greater participation to address tuberculosis.
