OUR CORRESPONDENT
TEZPUR: On the occasion of World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, Sonitpur district observed the day with various awareness activities. To mark the event, an awareness rally was organized to educate the public about TB. The rally was flagged off by Sonitpur District Commissioner Ankur Bharali in the presence of Joint Director of Health Dr Jagadish Goswami, Superintendent of Kanaklata Civil Hospital Dr Hiranjan Saikia, and commenced from Tezpur Kanaklata Civil Hospital. The event witnessed participation from health officials, nursing students, ASHA workers, and other dignitaries.
A public meeting was also held in connection with World TB Day, presided over by Additional District Commissioner Twahir Alam. Key dignitaries in attendance included District TB Officer Dr Achyut Hazarika, DPM Binay Das, District Media Expert Durlabh Barman, District TB Coordinator Prantik Orang, STS Tezpur TB Unit official Abhijit Lahkar, and other officials from the Sonitpur District TB Office, ASHA workers, and nursing students.
Tuberculosis (TB) is a highly infectious disease caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, which can affect any part of the body. The bacteria spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or spits, releasing TB germs into the atmosphere. When a healthy person inhales these airborne bacteria, they may become infected. The risk of TB infection is 10% higher for individuals in direct contact with an infected person. Symptoms of TB include persistent cough for more than two weeks, low-grade fever for an extended period, gradual weight loss, coughing up of blood, frequent chest pain, and loss of appetite.
In Sonitpur district, approximately 42,286 people were screened for TB, of which 2,496 cases were confirmed. Additionally, 2,233 suspected TB patients underwent HIV testing, and 12 individuals were diagnosed with HIV. Under the Nikshay Poshan Yojana, a total of 2,771 TB patients have received benefits .
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