A Tuberculosis (TB) Awareness Program was successfully organised at Imphal Airport in a joint effort by the State TB Cell, the Airports Authority of India (AAI), and the State Health Society (SHS), NHM Manipur.
The initiative focused on raising awareness among airport staff, passengers, and visitors about TB, one of the world’s oldest yet still challenging public health concerns.
Focus on Prevention, Detection, and Treatment
The program featured interactive sessions explaining the causes, symptoms, and modes of transmission of TB. Medical experts highlighted the importance of:
Early detection through timely screening,
Strict adherence to treatment protocols under the Directly Observed Treatment Short-course (DOTS) strategy, and
Preventive measures to reduce stigma and delay in seeking care.
Participants were reminded that TB is fully curable, provided treatment is followed diligently.
Ni-Kshay Initiatives in Focus
The program also shed light on key government-backed initiatives under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP):
| Initiative | Key Objective |
|---|---|
| Ni-Kshay Poshan Yojana | Provides monthly nutritional support to TB patients for faster recovery. |
| Ni-Kshay Mitra | Encourages voluntary individuals, organisations, and institutions to “adopt” TB patients and support them with food, nutrition, and essential needs. |
By linking awareness with patient support programs, the campaign stressed the power of community participation in achieving the national goal of a TB-free India by 2025.
Airport as a Hub of Awareness
AAI officials noted that airports, as major public hubs, are ideal spaces to reach large and diverse groups. By integrating health awareness into travel infrastructure, the airport serves not just as a gateway for passengers but also as a platform for public health advocacy.
“This collaboration reflects our commitment to not only safe travel but also healthier, more informed communities,” an AAI representative stated.
Collective Call to Action
The program concluded with a pledge ceremony, where participants vowed to spread awareness about TB, encourage early testing, and support affected individuals without stigma.
Health officials reiterated:
“TB is preventable and curable. But eliminating it requires vigilance, empathy, and collective effort.”
With campaigns like these, Manipur contributes to India’s broader vision of a TB Mukt Bharat by 2025.