Srinagar, March 25th
A sensitization programme of various stakeholders of TB Care and Control was organized by J&K Voluntary Health Association at Pandrethan. The function was attended by NGOs, Volunteers and members of civil society. The programme was chaired by Shri. A.M. Mir IAS (Retd) Executive Director, J&K Voluntary Health Association who informed the participants that millions of people get sick due to the tuberculosis disease. Some people who are sensitized about the symptoms of the disease receive proper treatment but bulk of the TB patients hide their illness due to social stigma related to it and bear the consequences silently. Such patients are potential threat to the spread of the disease within their family members and others in contact with them.
In order to create awareness amongst the people J&K Voluntary Health Association is implementing Axshya programme in 4 districts of Baramulla, Pulwama, Budgam and Srinagar through 16 coalition partner NGOs and their volunteers for sensitizing general masses by conducting Gaon Kalyan Samiti meetings. J&K VHA is also assisting the District Tuberculosis Organisation by creating social mobilization in public in order to provide access to TB patients for their health care through DOT centres which provide free treatment to them till they are declared free from the disease.
A message was also read from Prof. Dr. G.Q. Allaqaband Chairman J&K VHA who emphasized on better coordination and involvement of community leaders, particularly Imams of the mosques for the awareness about the symptoms of TB and availability of medical facilities at DOTS centres.
In order to reach out to a larger audience in the District, Cultural Educational Environmental Organisation (CEEO) organised a similar programme at Nasrullahpora in Budgam District. The Purpose of this event was to spread awareness about TB care and control to the grass root level workers for identification of patients having cough for two weeks and to send them to Designated Microscopic Centre (DMC) for testing of sputum and further treatment.