Several organizations including schools conducted various activities on Tuesday on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day, where students took pledged not to consume tobacco in any form.
This year, the theme focused on impact of tobacco on the environment and aimed to expose efforts by tobacco companies to “greenwash” their reputation by marketing themselves as environmentally friendly.
Kohima: Directorate of Health & Family Welfare organized a programme in commemoration of the day on theme ‘‘Tobacco: Threat to Our Environment’’ 1 pm at the directorate IDSP Hall, Kohima. The event was graced by principal director DH&FW Dr. K. Vikato Kinimi as chief guest. He lauded the National Tobacco Control Programme for their sincere work and effort and urged them to continue working together with respect and support.
Delivering on the theme talk, Dr. Chiekroshuyi Tetseo, Addl. Dir (Dental) & SNO, NTCP informed that, in order to monitor schools/institutions for tobacco free zone, a special app has been launched under the name ‘’Tobacco Free Nagaland App’’. Mission Director NHM, Dr. Thorhusie Katiry released the ‘‘Handbook for Health workers’’ at the programme.
Dimapur: District Tobacco Control Programme (DTCC) Dimapur in collaboration with CoE CIHSR (Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research) observed the day at LG Hall, CIHSR.
Dr.Reyosalu Lase Vizo, District Nodal Officer, DTCC spoke on the theme: “Tobacco: Threat to our environment”.
In the programme, winners and consolations of poster making competition was announced and awarded. Hope Academy won the first place followed by Unity Christian HSS and GHSS Diphupar- A respectively. A drama/skit was presented by students of Highland Hall School and a special song was presented by students of college of Nursing CIHSR. Also in the programme, Dr. Shirley, HoD Dept. of Radiotherapy, CIHSR presented the statistical report of cancer in the state.
Students of various schools and colleges of Dimapur, DNSU, Diphupar village council, officers from Commissioner of police office, NGOs, DLCC members, doctors and staff of District Hospital Dimapur and CIHSR attended the programme. Earlier, a minute of silence was observed to pay tribute to late Fr. Joe Chinir, who was one of the first members of District Level Coordination Committee, DTCC and a supporter of Anti Tobacco campaign in the state and late Chuba Jamir, who actively shared his testimony and warned the public about the ill effects of Tobacco after he got diagnosed with Oral Cancer.
Mokokchung: The day was observed at IMDH with the participants of teaching staff and students of School of Nursing, Mokokchung.
On the occasion Dr. Sentirenla, Dental Surgeon IMDH spoke in regard with the theme “How Tobacco is harmful to our environment”. She emphasized on the harmful effects of Tobacco and the functions of Cessation Centre within the district. Anti Tobacco pledge was also taken by the teachers and students of School of Nursing.
Wokha: National Tobacco Control Programme Wokha observed the day at Mount Sinai School Wokha.
Theme speaker of the event was Dr.Mhalo Tungoe, ACTO (Agri Extension) KrishiVigyan Kendra.
Likewise, programmes were held at Sanis community health centre which was declared tobacco free hospital and Sanis Government High School where Dr. Mhonthung N Tungoe, Dental Surgeon, Sanis CHC spoke on the harmful effects of tobacco. An essay competition was organised by NTCP. Niroyo, Okotso and Yikhum villages also observed the day.
NTCP Zunheboto: National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) Zunheboto, observed WNTD at Bloomfield Hill Higher Secondary School, Zunheboto with Deputy Commissioner (DC), Zunheboto Rahul Bhanudas Mali as guest of honour. A press release from CMO Zunheboto district, media officer Keneikhrietuo stated that DC in his speech congratulated the 21 educational institutions for their commendable job in the district to be declared as “Tobacco Free School or No-Tobacco Zone”.
A keynote address was delivered by Deputy CMO Zunheboto Dr. K. Akaho Sema, where he mentioned about the significance of the Day. Focusing on the theme, guest speaker Government College, Zunheboto vice principal H.JekughaSema, stressed that tobacco not only had a negative impact on health but also poses a threat to the environment.
Meanwhile, ZDLSA district project assistant Tovi Z. Yeptho, highlighted on COTPA 2003 and imparted legal education. A poster campaign competition was also conducted. Four schools (GMS New Colony, GMS Alahuto, GMS North Point and Bloomfield Hill Hr Sec School) were declared “Tobacco Free Schools”. District Tobacco Control Cell (DTCC) Zunheboto also acknowledged Aghaka K.Yeptho for creating awareness and for contributing in initiating two “No Tobacco” Clubs in two schools within the district.
Phek: As part of observance of World No Tobacco Day, DTCC Phek conducted painting competition on the theme on May 28. Winners of the competition were given a certificate along with cash prize.
GMS Ahthibung: Government Middle School (GMS) Ahthibung observed WNTD by holding posters about harmful effects of Tobacco and marching around Ahthibung Town market area. The school also organised a painting competition on the theme ‘’Make everyday world no tobacco day”.
MITE: Modern Institute of Teacher Education, Kohima observed WNTD where Kekhrienesuo Khoubve spoke on the significance of “World No Tobacco Day.” In a press note, principal, MITE, Dr. Kate Dandesk Kumar informed that a skit was performed on the theme “The Effects of Tobacco Addiction and its Consequences” after which a compilation of video talks on “consumption of tobacco and its effects into our body” was presented by Kedo Khate.
Longleng: Longleng district observed WNTD in a programme conducted at Conventional Hall, Lempong PBCA, Longleng.
In a press release, CMO office Longleng stated that the keynote address was delivered by CMO Dr. Obangjungla where she talked on the health impact through passive smoking and how tobacco abuse exposed our health to risk of many illnesses. She further urged students to refrain from consumption of tobacco adding that they are at a growing stage and that the consequences would be irreparable. She ended her address by encouraging the audience to quit smoking tobacco, for health and for the planet. Meanwhile, District Nodal Officer NTCP, Dr. Bongau Phom, delivered the awareness note and presented slides which emphasised on the dark agenda of the tobacco industries.
A poetry recitation competition was also conducted where students from various institutions from Longleng district took part.
Later, vote of thanks was pronounced by SDPO Longleng, Impung Chang.
Meluri: On the occasion of WNTD, Community Health Centre (CHC) Meluri conducted an awareness programme at St. Xavier Higher Secondary School Meluri. In a press statement, district media officer (DMO) Kutolu Nakro informed that Dental surgeon CHC Meluri, Dr. Ngailong L. Phom highlighted on harmful effects of tobacco.
Emphasizing that ‘no tobacco meant a healthy planet and healthy people’, he added that smokeless tobacco users had higher risk of oral cancer. On the occasion, students took a pledge not to consume any tobacco products and also spread awareness on harmful effects of tobacco to their friends and family members. As part of the observance, an essay competition was also carried out on the theme.
Mon: In commemoration of the day, District Tobacco Control Cell (DTCC), Mon led by Dr I Simon Sumi District Nodal Officer and E Nyeamying Konyak, consultant DTCC in collaboration with Mon Town Students Union and police department conducted cleanliness drive on May 28.
Inter-school speech, essay and painting competitions were organized on May 31. After the activities, the programme was organized where Asst.Prof. M.Yinpai Konyak, Wangkhao Government College, Mon gave a detail presentation explaining on the theme of the day.
Medziphema: World No Tobacco Day was observed on at CHC Medziphema on the theme, “Tobacco-Threat to our environment”. On the occasion, drief talk on the theme was delivered by Dr.Viphrezonuo Pienyu and CHC was declared no tobacco zone.
Tuensang and Longkhim block: World Tobacco Day was observed in Tuensang and Longkhim block under the theme ‘’Tobacco Threat to our Environment‘’. The programme was organised by the District Tobacco Control Cell, Tuensang and graced by SP, Tuensang, Vishal as guest of honour. Jr. Dental Specialist District Hospital Tuensang Dr. Aoyanger spoke on the significant of the day and MO Psychiatrist District hospital Tuensang Dr. Senilo Magh spoke on the theme ‘’Tobacco-Threat to environment”.
Kiphire: District Tobacco Control Cell Kiphire also observed World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) based on the theme “Tobacco: Threat to our Environment” at the school premises of Loyola Higher Secondary School Kiphire. Senior Superintendent of Police Kiphire, Muthasuyi graced the occasion as guest of honor and Divisional Forest Officer Kiphire, Chisayi as the theme speaker. As per source from Dr.N Moa Jamir, District Nodal Officer (NTCP) Kiphire around 1300 students from Loyola Hr. Secondary School and students and teachers from other seven schools of district headquarter participated in the main function. Meanwhile, all the schools within the district observed WNTD in their respective schools led by teachers took anti-tobacco pledge as per the direction of District Education Officer Kiphire. (Correspondent)
