Kargil: Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kargil, Imteeaz Kacho chaired a meeting of the District Tuberculosis (TB) Forum today to review the progress of tuberculosis elimination activities in the District and to deliberate on challenges and strategies for achieving the goal of TB-Mukt Kargil.
During the meeting, District Tuberculosis Officer Dr. Mohd Abbas informed that community engagement and active involvement of society are crucial for the eradication of tuberculosis.
He emphasized that the main objective is to create widespread awareness and remove fear among patients, as TB is a completely curable disease and not fatal if diagnosed and treated on time.
He further stated that Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRI) are actively involved in TB control efforts to ensure 100 percent recovery of patients and highlighted that encouraging recovery rates have been recorded in the District.
As many as 40 Panchayats of District Kargil are participating actively in TB elimination initiatives, he added.
Dr. Abbas also briefed the gathering about the nutritional supplements and other support provided to TB patients over the past five years, in addition to free medicines and necessary assistance. The ratio of male and female TB patients was also discussed.
He clarified that tuberculosis is a contagious disease; however, its transmission largely depends on the immunity of an individual, with strong immunity playing a crucial role in prevention and recovery.
He pointed out that while overall public cooperation is satisfactory, contact testing remains a major challenge and needs to be handled with proper care and sensitivity.
Additional District Commissioner, Imteeaz Kacho, while expressing his views, emphasized that media has a vital role to play in promoting awareness about tuberculosis while maintaining strict confidentiality of patients.
He stressed that platforms of the Department of Information & Public Relations and other communication channels should be effectively utilized to spread awareness, counter stigma and support the eradication of TB from the District.
The ADC further underlined that tuberculosis can be minimized and ultimately eradicated through coordinated efforts, inter-departmental cooperation and collective responsibility.
The meeting concluded with a resolve to strengthen inter-sectoral coordination, enhance contact testing mechanisms and continue sustained awareness campaigns to achieve the vision of a TB-free Kargil.
