Ri Bhoi (Meghalaya) [India]: The Meghalaya government has launched an innovative TB Control Program that blends traditional healing practices with modern medical technology to combat tuberculosis (TB) in the state.
The initiative aims to address the unique challenges faced by Meghalaya, such as remote locations, poor telecom connectivity, and a strong community reliance on traditional healers.
“The community systems over here are very strong. So what the state has done is it has taken cognisance of the unique challenges that Meghalaya faces,” said Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal.
Baranwal explained that the program was designed to adapt to the state’s distinct obstacles.
“For example, hard-to-reach areas, poor telecom connectivity and the general trust in the traditional healer by the communities. As the community system is these areas is very strong, so what the state has done, it has taken cognisance of these challenges and on that basis, we have charted out our plan,” he said.
To improve TB detection in remote areas, the program actively involves traditional healers.
“So first thing is they have tapped into these traditional healers and we have trained these traditional healers who will screen patients,” Baranwal explained.
He further highlighted that traditional healers are offered financial incentives for referring patients who are later confirmed as TB-positive.
This strategy not only encourages healers to participate but also ensures early identification and treatment of TB cases.
The program also integrates technology to enhance diagnostic capabilities. Meghalaya has introduced hand-held X-ray machines in remote regions to improve detection.
“The number of Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) machines has also increased tremendously in the state,” Baranwal noted, adding that these advancements have significantly improved early diagnosis rates.
In Ri Bhoi district alone, there are now six NAAT machines and over twelve hand-held X-ray devices, extending diagnostic services even to hard-to-reach areas.
This unique combination of community-driven approaches and advanced medical tools marks a significant step in Meghalaya’s efforts to curb tuberculosis and improve public health outcomes.