Nagaland: ‘Smoke-Free campaign’ launched at Pughoboto

A “Smoke-Free Sub-Division Headquarter Campaign” was launched by the State Tobacco Control Cell (STCC), Nagaland, under the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), during a sensitization workshop on tobacco control for stakeholders of Pughoboto Sub-Division on December 12 at the Conference Hall, ADC Office, Pughoboto.
The workshop aimed to strengthen local-level awareness, enhance enforcement of tobacco control laws and promote tobacco-free institutions and offices.
According to a press release from NTCP, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Pughoboto, Meyazungba Jamir, who graced the programme as special guest, launched the campaign and declared the ADC Office as a Tobacco-Free Office, marking a significant milestone for the region. He emphasized that safeguarding community health and well-being is a shared responsibility and stressed the urgent need to address the growing burden of tobacco use through coordinated action involving community leaders, educational institutions, enforcement agencies and civil society. He called for sustained collaboration to create a healthier, tobacco-free environment.
During the event, five Tobacco-Free Schools from the sub-division were also recognized for their commitment and compliance with the Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) guidelines.
Delivering the keynote address, deputy director and state nodal officer of NTCP, Dr. I. Simon Sumi, provided an overview of the tobacco burden in Nagaland and highlighted the critical role of district and sub-division stakeholders in effective implementation of NTCP activities.