National Tobacco Control Program with the support of “Vital Strategies” conducted a “State-level Orientation workshop on Tobacco Control” at Kohima on July 3. The workshops was graced by District Nodal Officers and staffs, Mission Director, National Health Mission Dr Akuo Sorhie, Director Dental Dr. Meribeni Odyuo and director, Tobacco Control, South East Asia, Vital Strategies Dr. Rana J Singh, as guest of honors.
The agendas during the workshop were- epidemiology of tobacco use, NTCP MIS, COTPA 2003, Tobacco Vendor Licensing, tobacco cessation and TOFEI initiative guidelines.
A press release from IEC Bureau, DoH&FW informed that Dr. Meribeni Odyuo, in her address called for joining the crucial journey and equip themselves with skills and resources to combat these menace and be catalyst for change.
She also exhorted them on their roles and responsibilities and to form comprehensive group to address the issue. Dr. Rana J Singh in his keynote address, urged the districts and state to assess the implementation of NTCP and seek for multi stakeholder engagement to combat the menace.
Dr Akuo Sorhie in her special remarks expressed gratitude to vital strategies for the support over the years. She said building capacities were one of the steps to strengthen the health systems.
Project manager- Tobacco Control, Vital Strategies Renu Sharma and Director Dental (Retd) Dr Chiekroshuyi Tetseo also spoke at the workshop.
State Nodal Officer of NTCP Dr. Arenla Walling, presented on the NTCP guidelines and progress of NTCP.
Mission Director, NHM gave away the certificates for best performing in the following categories where DNO of Mon DTCC Dr Esther Chophy Ngullie was awarded best District Nodal Officer, DTCC Consultant Linoka K Awomi, was awarded the best consultant at State level, Mon DTCC E. Nyeamying Konyak, bagged the best Consultant, Kohima DTCC Temsuchila Walling bagged the best Social Worker, and Wokha DTCC Tshope Ü Khutsoh bagged best Psychologist.
Earlier, Dr Rana and Renu also held a meeting with MD NHM to discuss tobacco control measures and visited the Tobacco Cessation Centre at NHAK, Kohima on July 2. The event was chaired by Dy. Director & SPO, NOHP Dr. Reyosalu Lase Vizo.