Nepal commemorated World Tuberculosis (TB) Day 2024 with two engaging programs on 22 and 24 March, emphasizing the theme “Yes! We can end TB!” to sustain and accelerate efforts to end TB in Nepal.
On 22 March, three organizations, eight individuals, and a municipality were recognized for their outstanding contributions to manage and control TB in Nepal during a program organized by the National Tuberculosis Control Centre, Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP), in collaboration with WHO and partners.
Representatives of various organizations and individuals awarded at the World Tuberculosis Day event organized at the National Tuberculosis Control Centre, Bagmati Province, Nepal. Photo credit: WHO Nepal/S.G.Amatya
Based on the recommendation from the evaluation committee in NTCC, a healthcare worker from each province were felicitated for their contribution to control TB in Nepal. Among the awarded individuals, a notable figure honored for their exceptional services in TB management was Dr Dirgha Singh Bam, former Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Population and Director of NTCC. The three awarded organizations were Manav Samsadhan Bikash Prastisthan (Sudurpashchim Province), TB Nepal (Lumbini Province), and National Youth Movement against TB (NYMAT) Nepal.
Speakers at the event reiterated their commitment to end TB in Nepal and called for further investments and collaboration in these efforts, alongside a faster uptake of WHO recommendations to control TB.
Hon’ble Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Population, Dr Roshan Pokhrel, providing his remarks at the event. Photo credit: WHO Nepal/S.G.Amatya
In his remarks, Dr Roshan Pokhrel, Health Secretary, emphasized the need for increased investments and multi-sectoral collaborations to end TB and highlighted programs such as the TB-Free Initiative which has successfully garnered active participation from youths and local communities.
Among the local levels where the TB-Free Initiative was implemented, Hariwan Municipality (Madhesh Province) was also recognized and awarded for its strong contribution towards TB management and control. The Mayor of the Municipality, Ramesh Budathoki, a TB survivor, reaffirmed his unwavering commitment towards the initiative.
Dr Prajowl Shrestha, Director of National Tuberculosis Control Centre, providing his remarks at the event. Photo credit: WHO Nepal/S.G.Amatya
Speaking about the TB Free Initiative, Dr Prajowl Shrestha, Director, NTCC, said: “This campaign, launched with the aim of sustainably accelerating the efforts to end TB by developing leadership and ownership of local levels, has been implemented in 125 municipalities to improve the quality of TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment services. The National Tuberculosis Program aims to expand the initiative to all 753 local levels, further increasing community and multisectoral involvement.”
Dr Sangeeta Kaushal Mishra, Director General of the Department of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Population, providing her remarks at the event. Photo credit: WHO Nepal/S.G.Amatya
Dr Sangeeta Kaushal Mishra, Director General of the Department of Health Services, MoHP, said “Elimination of TB is one of national importance as there is a heavy economic burden placed on families affected with TB. If we strengthen our efforts in active case finding, elimination of TB is possible.”
Dr Khin Pa Pa Naing, Team Lead for Communicable Diseases, at WHO, Country Office for Nepal, providing her remarks at the event. Photo credit: WHO Nepal/S.G.Amatya
Dr Khin Pa Pa Naing, Team Lead for Communicable Diseases at WHO, Country Office for Nepal, commended the tireless efforts by the Government of Nepal to expand access to quality tuberculosis services, strengthen diagnostic capabilities, improve treatment outcomes through a wide network of decentralized DOTS facilities and laboratory networks, and transition towards utilizing all-oral treatment regimens for Drug-Resistant TB - a significant step forward for improved patient adherence, reduced treatment burden for patients and family members, and better health outcomes.
Attendees at the program also heard from a recovered individual who shared his experiences of undergoing treatment. “I was cured of TB because I received fast and timely treatment. This is why information on testing and treatment, and related services, must be accessible to all, as it is a fundamental right for us,” said Saroj Basnet, the TB survivor. He also further highlighted the support and motivation provided by healthcare workers during his treatment, and encouraged everyone working in TB management to keep promoting a society free of stigma towards TB patients.
A skit performance being performed during the event to raise awareness on tuberculosis symptoms and diagnosis. Photo credit: WHO Nepal/S.G.Amatya
Members of Nepal Public Health Student’s Society, under the Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, highlighted the burden of TB on patient’s families and raised awareness about TB symptoms and diagnosis, through a skit performance.
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A Walk the Talk event held at Bhaktapur, Bagmati Province, to commemorate World Tuberculosis Day. Photo credit: WHO Nepal/Y.R.Gyawali
On 24 March, hundreds of young TB advocates participated in a Walk the Talk program which started in NTCC and concluded in Bhaktapur Durbar Square. The program, organized by NTCC, NYMAT Nepal, and WHO, provided a common platform for all stakeholders and strengthened joint efforts to eliminate TB in Nepal, while engaging in physical activity.