PATAN, LALITPUR: Minister for Health and Population, Mohan Bahadur Basnet, emphasized the need to enhance the effectiveness of the campaign against tuberculosis by identifying patients at every doorstep.
Inaugurating the second phase of the ‘Tuberculosis-free Nepal Campaign’ in Chautara Sangachowkgadhi municipality, Sindhupalchowk, Minister Basnet highlighted the importance of early diagnosis in the fight against tuberculosis.
“The campaign, initiated three years ago to eradicate the disease, has now been extended to an additional 100 local levels,” shared Minister Basnet, underscoring the critical role of public awareness in curing and eliminating the disease.
He urged collaboration among all three tiers of government to achieve this goal, emphasizing prevention through public awareness rather than treatment after infection.
Additionally, Minister Basnet stressed the importance of protecting citizens from malnutrition.
Asserting that the local government plays a pivotal role in tuberculosis elimination, Minister Basnet thanked everyone for their engagement in the successful battle against COVID-19.
Dr Sangeeta Kaushal Mishra, the Director General of the Department of Health Services, disclosed that tuberculosis accounted for 50% of all reported deaths.
She stressed the potential for eradication through community-level participation and called for increased investment in treating tuberculosis patients.
Dr Prajjwal Shrestha, Director at the National Tuberculosis Control Centre, shared that 229 tuberculosis cases are diagnosed annually in Nepal, with a higher prevalence in Bagmati, Madhesh, and Lumbini provinces.
Mayor Krishna Prasad Sapkota of Chautara Sangachowkgadhi Municipality pledged to prioritize the anti-tuberculosis campaign in the municipality’s policies, budget, and programs.
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