Nagaland intensifies anti-tobacco drive

DIMAPUR: The State Tobacco Control Cell (STCC) under the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), Nagaland, launched the Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign (TFYC) 4.0 on October 28, marking the beginning of a 60-day statewide campaign aimed at strengthening tobacco-control measures and promoting a tobacco-free generation.
At the state-level launch programme held at the Nagaland Institute of Allied and Healthcare (NIAH), Paramedical, Kohima, director of Family Welfare, Dr. Imotemsu, formally launched the campaign as special guest.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Imotemsu stressed the need to utilise the campaign period to intensify tobacco-control activities, strengthen district-level coordination and assess progress towards campaign targets. He expressed hope that the initiative would reinforce ongoing efforts and ensure sustained implementation of tobacco-control measures beyond the campaign period.
Delivering the keynote address, state nodal officer, NTCP, Dr. I. Simon Sumi, outlined the six key strategies of TFYC 4.0 and highlighted the harmful effects of tobacco consumption, particularly among young people.
The campaign focuses on public awareness, Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions, Tobacco-Free Villages, enforcement of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, and the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA), 2019, social media engagement and collaboration with universities and colleges.
Under the campaign, each district aims to conduct at least 30 information, education and communication (IEC) activities. Other targets include increasing institutional compliance and Tobacco-Free Village coverage by 50%, enhancing enforcement activities by 20% and bringing 30% of colleges and universities in the state on board.
The campaign will be implemented through district-level launch programmes and various activities across Nagaland, with an emphasis on raising awareness, strengthening compliance with tobacco-control laws and mobilising educational institutions and local communities.
The welcome address was delivered by Principal of NIAH, Dr. Akaba Jamir, while District Nodal Officer NTCP, Kohima, Dr. Neingtunuo Angami chaired the programme. State Programme Officer, National Oral Health Programme, Dr. N. Moangangba Jamir delivered the concluding remarks.
Meanwhile, the District Tobacco Control Cell (DTCC), Mokokchung launched TFYC 4.0 at the College of Nursing under the NTCP initiative. The programme was chaired by district consultant NTCP, Nukshiwati Longchar, who welcomed the participants.
District nodal officer NTCP, Mokokchung, Dr. K. Tiasenla, highlighted the objectives of the campaign and emphasised the role of educational institutions in nurturing a tobacco-free generation. The campaign was officially launched by medical superintendent, IMDH Mokokchung, Dr. Alemwabang Aier, who encouraged students to become ambassadors of a tobacco-free lifestyle and discourage tobacco use in their communities.
A review of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003, and a pledge-taking ceremony were also conducted. The programme concluded with participants pledging to remain tobacco-free and spread awareness among their peers.
In Dimapur, NTCP launched TFYC 4.0 at Government Higher Secondary School, Burma Camp.
District nodal officer, NTCP Dimapur, Dr. Esther Chophy Ngullie, highlighted the objectives of the campaign, including protecting children and youth from the harmful effects of tobacco, preventing initiation of tobacco use, encouraging cessation, strengthening enforcement of COTPA and promoting tobacco-free educational institutions and communities.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime), Dimapur, Khekali Y. Sema, who attended as guest of honour, officially launched the campaign and urged students to adopt healthy lifestyles and stay away from addiction.
The programme was chaired by principal of GHSS Burma Camp, Nikali Sema, and included a tobacco-free pledge led by psychologist, NTCP Dimapur, Imkumla Aier.
Officials said the campaign seeks to intensify tobacco prevention efforts, strengthen enforcement of existing legislation and encourage active participation from educational institutions, communities and stakeholders to build a healthier, tobacco-free generation across Nagaland.
District Tobacco Control Cell (DTCC), Mon, launched the Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 4.0 at Sacred Heart School, Mon, on October 28.
The programme was attended by officials from the district administration, school authorities, teachers, students, health department and representatives of the District Tobacco Control Cell.
Delivering the welcome address, Sacred Heart School chairman Dr. M.H. Daniel urged students to make responsible choices and recognise their role in shaping a healthier future. He stressed that combating tobacco use was a collective responsibility that required the participation of every individual and not the government alone.
Consultant, National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), Mon, E. Nyeamying Konyak, highlighted the objectives and key focus areas of the campaign. She said the initiative aimed to safeguard the health and well-being of young people through awareness, enforcement and community participation.
She outlined four major focus areas of the campaign: enforcement of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, particularly to prevent the sale of tobacco products near educational institutions; implementation of Tobacco-Free Educational Institution (ToFEI) guidelines; expansion of the Tobacco-Free Villages initiative; and intensified efforts to curb the use of e-cigarettes and vapes.
Emphasising the importance of grassroots participation, she encouraged students, educational institutions and communities to carry the campaign’s message beyond the event and translate it into everyday practice. The campaign was officially launched by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Mon, Pakon Phom, who attended the programme as guest of honour. In his address, he underscored the importance of a healthy youth population in building a healthy nation and highlighted the serious health risks associated with tobacco consumption, including cancer and respiratory diseases.
He urged students to remain tobacco-free, resist peer pressure and inspire others to adopt healthy lifestyles. He also called upon all stakeholders to work towards making homes, educational institutions and society free from tobacco.
The programme also featured a pledge-taking session led by Dr. Lihngam, Junior Dental Surgeon, District Hospital Mon, reaffirming participants’ commitment to a tobacco-free lifestyle.
DTCC Mon urged students, teachers, parents, educational institutions and the public to actively support the campaign and contribute towards creating a healthier, tobacco-free future.