24 schools declared ‘tobacco-free’ in Zbto

Following various activities carried out under National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP) and National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP), 24 schools and six villages under Zunheboto district have been declared “tobacco-free”.
In a press release, office of the chief medical officer (CMO) Zunheboto, stated that a District Level Coordination Committee (DLCC) meeting was held on October 18, in the conference hall of District Hospital Zunheboto to discuss agendas of District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit (DAPCU), NTEP and NTCP.
During the meeting, NTCP district nodal officer, Dr. Esther Ngullie informed that four schools was declared “tobacco-free” and appreciated the teachers in-charge for their hard work and cooperation in restricting the use of tobacco within the school premises.
Highlighting the activities carried out by the NTCP, Dr. Ngullie said 24 schools and six villages have been declared as “tobacco-free” under Zunheboto district.
Stating that the district was fortunate to have received a Carbon Monoxide (CO) monitoring device (Smokerlyzer) to check the lung condition of smokers, she urged officials present to sensitize the public so that they could avail the free service.
While acknowledging the administration and the police department for playing an important role in the achievements of NTCP, Dr. Ngullie also requested the officials present to disseminate information about the smoke free campaign and implement stern action against the offenders.
At the meeting, DTO Zunheboto Dr. Y. Aron Muru highlighted the members on NTEP and asserted the need for concrete and synchronized efforts and contribution from the stakeholders to eliminate TB.
Extra assistant commissioner (EAC) Zunheboto, Viketoulie Metha presented “tobacco-free” certificates to the representatives of the four schools. He acknowledged NTCP for rendering their services in making the society better.
Supervisor NTEP presented a detailed report of case findings for the year 2020 till date and gave update on the Nikshay Mitra while DPO DAPCU, Hokishe Chophy spoke on stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV and presented a detailed report and statistics on people with HIV.