National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) organised an outreach health camp and awareness programme in collaboration with the health committee, red ribbon club and anti-tobacco cell of Mount Olive College, Kohima at the institute on October 5.
District nodal officer of National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP) Kohima, Dr. Arenla Walling while speaking at the programme informed that about 43.3% of people used either smoke or smokeless tobacco products in Nagaland.
She informed that youngsters start consuming the substances as early as 15 to 24 years of age.
She disclosed that smokeless tobacco users account for 39%; smokers – 13.2% while both type users account for 8.9% out of the total population in the state.
Dr. Arenla apprised how tobacco was causing premature mortality in the world and was the only legally available substance which killed when it was used as intended.
Counsellor of Mobile Integrated Council and Training Centre (ICTC), Kohima, under District Aids Prevention and Control Programme, Ayang informed that despite a huge number of people in Nagaland having HIV infection, many did not turn up to get tested.
She informed that adult prevalence of HIV & AIDS in Nagaland was 1.45% as per NACO HIV Estimation 2019 while it was the second state with the highest number of HIV infections in the country.
Ayang advised on getting timely tests for HIV for early treatment as timely medical intervention might lead a person to healthy and long life even if a person is detected positive.
She also informed about free medication and treatment for all HIV related cases at the Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK).
Meanwhile, medical officer in charge of Urban Primary Health Centre (UPHC) Seikhazou, Dr. Bilva Yalie called on the educated masses to be responsible to live a healthy life for oneself and for others while reminding the need to visit hospitals in times of sickness.
She had also informed citizens and students among others to avail the free medical facilities including free general health service and free medicines and counseling to all kinds of ailments at the UPHC.
Later, principal of the college, Swedezhono Tsükrü acknowledged the medical fraternity for rendering their services for the safety of the citizens.