SHILLONG: Nearly 80 per cent of villages in Meghalaya have been declared TB-free, marking a significant milestone in the state’s fight against tuberculosis, officials said on the occasion of World TB Day 2026.
The announcement was made during a programme organised by the State Tuberculosis Cell Meghalaya in collaboration with the District TB Centre, East Khasi Hills, reaffirming the government’s commitment to achieving a TB-free state through intensified and community-driven interventions.
Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla, addressing the gathering, highlighted major progress in the state’s public health sector. He noted that maternal mortality has declined by 56 per cent—bringing Meghalaya below the national average—and said similar sustained efforts are now being directed toward eliminating TB.
Urging citizens to cooperate with health authorities, Shylla cautioned that discontinuing TB treatment midway can lead to multi-drug resistant TB (MDR-TB), making treatment longer and more complex. He also encouraged people to undergo timely testing and avail government support, including a monthly financial assistance of ₹1,000 for TB patients.
Reiterating that tuberculosis is preventable and curable if detected early, the minister called for increased awareness and public participation.
Under the Government of India’s intensified 100-day TB-Free India campaign, Meghalaya is adopting targeted screening strategies, deploying AI-enabled portable X-ray systems, and strengthening community engagement to ensure early detection, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Director of Health Services (MI), Dr. J. S. Momin, emphasised the crucial role of frontline workers and village health committees in bridging the gap between healthcare services and the public. Their efforts in promoting awareness, early testing, and patient support have been key to the state’s progress, he said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Amica J. Rynjah, Assistant Programme Officer of the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme, noted that several villages have achieved Gold and Silver status for sustaining TB-free status over consecutive years.
She added that the government will prioritise high-risk populations and remote areas under the ongoing campaign, while encouraging citizens to come forward as Nikshay Mitras to provide nutritional and emotional support to TB patients.
Emphasising the need for collective action, Dr. Rynjah said eliminating TB will require sustained awareness, reduced stigma, and active public participation to achieve a TB-free Meghalaya.
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