To raise awareness about the harmful influences of the tobacco industry on young people, World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) under 2024 theme, “Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference” was observed across Nagaland on May 31.
Phek: The WNTD 2024 was observed at Dr. Wetshelo Mero Memorial Hall, District Hospital, Phek with DC Phek, John Tsulise Sangtam as the special guest. In his speech, the DC urged the school and college authorities to maintain rules for strict prohibition of tobacco in their institutions. Sangtam also advised children not to consume tobacco products.
Speaking on the 2024 theme, district nodal officer for the National Tobacco Control Program, Dr. Pfukrolo Koza, narrated about the ill effects of tobacco on human health and the economy of people.
During the programme, certificates were also handed over to “Tobacco Free Schools”.
Zunheboto: National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP) Zunheboto, in collaboration with the District No Tobacco Club Zunheboto (DNTCZ) observed WNTD 2024 at Cornerstone Higher Secondary School Zunheboto.
Speaking at the programme as special guest, DC Zunheboto, Rahul Bhanudas Mali, said Nagaland being at the top ratio in consumption of tobacco, education plays an important role in helping the youths to abstain from harmful substances. He said Zunheboto district administration was doing its best in every possible way to eradicate the use of tobacco products.
The theme speaker, Dr. Tohito H Achumi mentioned the various marketing strategies that lure the masses, encouraging young people to consume tobacco. He further stated the need for the government to take active initiative in the “No Tobacco Drive”.
Meluri: Commemorating WNTD 2024, Community Health Centre (CHC) Meluri conducted an awareness programme at Government Higher Secondary School, Meluri Town. Highlighting the harmful effects of tobacco, dental surgeon, CHC Meluri, Dr. Ngailong L Phom, encouraged students and teachers to choose life, not tobacco. He said that tobacco causes 25% of all cancers and that smokeless tobacco users had a higher risk of oral cancer.
During the programme, students took a pledge not to consume any tobacco products and also to spread awareness of the harmful effects of tobacco to their families and friends. An essay competition was also carried out on the theme “Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry interference”.