IMPHAL, Aug 20: An interactive programme on “Innovation of Civil Society in Tuberculosis Care and Control in Manipur” was organised by Global Health Advocates at the premises of the Manipur Press Club at Majorkhul in Imphal today.
Highlighting the need for organising such a programme, Mamata Jacob of the Action International said India has the highest number of HIV/TB co-infection and about 1000 people died in the country due to Tuberculosis. The disease is also the largest single cause for adult illnesses in the country, she added.
Mamata also said people infected with HIV are easily prone to get infected with Tuberculosis as well.
She however maintained that Tuberculosis can be prevented, treated and cured during a span of six months.
Mamata also said that 13 lakh children get infected with Tuberculosis as per the World Health Organisation (WHO) survey report of the year 1995.
Resource person Dr Manihar, who is regional consultant of the Action Project said TB has killed 1153 people in Manipur in just seven years during the period 2002 to 2009.
He also said the number of people suffering from the disease had touched an alarming figure of 3,74,200 in Manipur.
On the need for advocacy to tackle Tuberculosis, Manihar said such programmes are necessary because of lack of awareness amongst the people. The need for having committed leadership to overcome stigma and discrimnation was also deliberated on by Dr. Manihar.