Itanagar, Mar 24: The National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme, Namsai, observed World Tuberculosis Day by organising a short marathon for students of Arunachal University of Studies on Sunday.
March 24, is commemorated every year to mark the discovery of the bacilli Mycobacteria Tuberculosis, the causative organism of Tuberculosis by German Physician Dr. Robert Koch on this day in the year 1882. This year the theme of the World TB Day is – Yes! We can end TB. 
Flagging off the marathon and later speaking as Chief Guest on the occasion, C.R Khampa, Deputy Commissioner, Namsai congratulated all the winners and also the participants for completing the marathon. He appreciated their participation to run for the important cause of eliminating TB from Namsai. 
Dwelling on the theme of this year, he emphasized on the economic loss to the country due to the high number of TB burden and the importance of all the stakeholders to end TB at their level to further stop the spread of infection.
 He informed everyone present that the government is not leaving any stone unturned to check the spread of infection and to ensure that all the benefits designed for the TB patients are made available to them such as Nikshay Poshan Yojana, Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, Direct Beneficiary Transfer of Tribal support etc. He said that that the youth are the agents of change and it is expected of them to bring about the required change by always being on alert about the symptoms of TB in and around them and make Namsai TB free.
The District Medical Officer, Dr. (Mrs) Nang Soreya Namchoom in her speech informed everyone present that although the United Nations under the Sustainable Development Goals has targeted to eliminate TB by the year 2030, the Government of India has decided to eliminate TB by 2025. Therefore, she said, we have to work harder and all of us will have to work in close coordination and collaboration to try to eliminate TB from Namsai by next year. She asked everyone to remain alert for the signs and symptoms of TB so as to keep it under check which will in turn minimise the spread of TB. She urged the youth to take up the mantle to make Namsai TB free.
Earlier, the District TB Officer Dr. P. Tala, speaking on the occasion, said that the future of the country will be shaped by the youth and asked the young participants to be vigilant of the disease and to be a part of the progress of the country. He explained in brief the 4 symptoms of Tuberculosis and how it can be identified.​
The event witnessed administration of TB Pledge by all the members present which was led by the Deputy Commissioner. 

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
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