Raphael Warjri

The Government of India’s target to eliminate Tuberculosis by 2030 was reiterated today, as a 100-day campaign to fight the disease was launched in Meghalaya.

The campaign was inaugurated by Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla during the observance of World TB Day in Shillong. The programme was organised by the State Tuberculosis Cell in collaboration with the TB Centre of East Khasi Hills district.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister stated that although treatment for TB is available, the disease continues to persist. He pointed out that TB remains widespread across the country, particularly in urban areas, and said Meghalaya faces additional challenges due to difficult terrain and limited access to remote regions.

He stressed that eliminating TB would require strong public awareness and collective responsibility, adding that healthcare workers alone cannot achieve the goal without active community participation. He said that unless individuals take responsibility for their own health, neither the government nor healthcare workers will be able to fully address the issue.

Assistant Programme Officer of the National TB Elimination Programme, Dr A.J. Rynjah, said the 100-day campaign aims to make Meghalaya TB-free.

She highlighted that India records around 2.8 million TB cases annually, with nearly 300,000 to 400,000 deaths, while a significant number of cases remain undetected. She also reiterated that the Government of India has set a target to eliminate TB by 2030, with the state government committed to supporting the mission.