Nagaland Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) coordination committee’s review meeting for the 4th quarter 2017-18 for Dimapur district was held at the conference hall of Dimapur deputy commissioner, on March 27.
According to a DIPR report, ADC Dimapur, Sara Jamir, who chaired the review meeting, welcomed all the officers and representatives from schools and colleges. During the meeting tobacco free certificates were awarded to 3 schools and 1 college: G. Mhinsiu School Burma Camp, St. Thomas Higher Secondary School, Naga Gaon, St. Francis De Sale School, Phiphema and Yemhi Memorial College, Neoali Basti. The certificates were handed over by ADC, Sara Jamir, DPRO Dimapur, Lolano Patton, deputy CMO, Dr. Antoly and liaison officer, DMC, G. Sharma.
Dr. C. Tetseo (DNO, NTCP) highlighted the 2016-17 global adult tobacco survey with a presentation. He said that the tobacco free campaign was a continuous journey which needed to keep improving. He wished success to the schools and colleges in their campaign to make their institutions tobacco free zones.
Principal, St. John High School, Diphupar, Johnny Abraham, while sharing his experiences, said with the awards, responsibilities of the schools/colleges increase also. He suggested the forming of a committee by roping in parents, teachers and members from village authorities in order to create more awareness amongst children about tobacco health hazards. He said change should start from the home to make the child and family tobacco free.
In her concluding remarks, the chairperson congratulated all the tobacco free schools and encouraged them to continue in their campaign.