District Tobacco Control Cell (NTCP) Wokha conducted a one-day training-&-sensitization program for members of the Lotha Eloe Hoho (LEH), Wokha Village Eloe Hoho (WVEH) and Vankhosung Eloe Hoho (VEHH) at conference hall of LEH office on October 29.
A press release from district media officer, Wokha, Mhonbeni Ezung stated that, the speakers included Dr. Robin Lotha CMO, Dr. Meribeni Odyuo, sr. dental surgeon & district nodal officer, NTCP and Abeni R Kikon, psycologist, Tobacco Cessation Centre, District Hospital.
Dr. Robin Lotha spoke on the harmful effects of tobacco and emphasized on women’s health and the community. He presented tobacco facts, where, he said India had the highest number of oral cancer cases in the world and 90% of these are caused by tobacco use. He also stated that inhaling other’s cigarette smoke (second hand smoking) was equally harmful and caused diseases and premature deaths in children and adults who do not smoke themselves.
Dr. Meribeni Odyuo spoke on tobacco and women’s health and highlighted the COTPA Act 2003. Abeni R Kikon, psychologist, spoke on the role of women in tobacco control and encouraged them to be agents in controlling tobacco usage in the community.