Theme: “Yes, We can End TB”

World Tuberculosis Day is observed on March 24 each year to raise public awareness and understanding about one of the world’s deadliest infectious killers - TB and its devastating health, the social and economic impact on people around the world.

Department of Community Health Nursing, MCON, MAHE, Manipal, Primary Health Center, Pernankila, and Kodibettu Gram Panchayat jointly observed World Tuberculosis Day on 24th March 2023 at Kodibettu Gram Panchayat meeting Hall.

The program began with the welcome address by Mrs. Dakshayini, Lady Health Visitor (LHV) of Primary Health Center (PHC), Pernankila. The program was inaugurated by the event's chief guest, Mr. Sadananda Prabhu, Vice-President, Kodibettu Gram Panchayt with other dignitaries.

Dr.Ravindra Borker, Administrative Medical Officer, PHC, Pernankila explained the statistics of TB, the importance of early diagnosis, and regular treatment to control and end tuberculosis. He told to the people to cooperate with health workers during their home visits to identify TB at the early stage. Also, he explained the current regimen of tuberculosis (DOTS) and displayed a video on the prompt method of sputum collection. The sputum collection method plays a vital role in the diagnosis of tuberculosis.

Dr. Shashidhara YN, Professor & HOD, Department of Community Health Nursing, MCON highlighted safety measures during coughing and sneezing and hand hygiene to be performed well to prevent the spread of tuberculosis infection to others. Healthcare workers should impart this knowledge to the public to build healthy practices. Also, he stressed consuming a protein-rich diet to support the cure of tuberculosis. He also highlighted team efforts, which are essential to achieve SDG 3. (Good Health and well-being)

Mr. Sadananda Prabhu, Vice-President, Kodibettu Gram Panchayt appreciated the comprehensive services of PHC Pernankila staff and faculty and students of Manipal College of Nursing. And he assured that they will contribute all types of help and support to continue the good work for the people in the community.

A leaflet on National Tuberculosis Elimination Program was distributed to the people to understand more about government services.

Informative role play and health education about TB, its symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatment, and prevention were organized by the 4th year BSc Nursing students followed by a scenario-based health education exhibited by ASHA workers based on their day-to-day work experience. A total of 50 participants including general public, ASHA workers, Anganwadi teachers, and Community Health Officers were present. The program was coordinated and compered by Dr. Ansuya, Assistant Professor, MCON, and Mr. Steryl 4th year BSc Nursing.

Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, MCON, MAHE Manipal organized a street play on 24.03.2023 at Manchikodi Colony, Manipal from 5.30 pm to 6.30 pm. The street play was based on the theme ‘Yes! We can end TB' to raise public awareness about Tuberculosis.

It was presented by students of 4th year BSc Nursing giving a message on the signs and symptoms, treatment, and prevention of tuberculosis. Street play stressed early identification of the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, dietary management, and facilities available from the Government. It also highlighted the compliance to the drug and multidrug resistance tuberculosis. Around 50 residents of the colony were part of the program.

Dr Jyothi Chakrabarty, Professor and Head, Department of Medical Surgical Nursing Department, MCON, MAHE, gave the concluding remarks and answered the queries raised by the participants. The program came to an end by acknowledging the support of the local leader- Mr. Ashok Nayak, Teachers of Govt. Higher Primary School, Manchikodi- Mrs. Ashalatha and Mrs. Vanitha. All the participants were provided with refreshments as a kind gesture from our end.

Overall the program was coordinated by Dr.Soumya Christabel, Asst Professor along with Mrs. Janet Alva, Assistant Professor, and Mrs. Rishmitha, Lecturer from the Medical Surgical Nursing department, MCON, MAHE, Manipal under the guidance of Dr. Jyothi Chakrabarty.