KOHIMA: National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), Nagaland on Tuesday launched the state level 60-day “Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 2.0,” an initiative of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, government of India aimed at creating awareness and promoting a tobacco-free lifestyle among the youth of Nagaland.
The campaign will run till November 24, 2024 was also simultaneously launched in the 11 NTCP districts by the District Tobacco Control cells.
The state level campaign was officially launched by Dr. E. Motsuthung Patton, principal director, Health & Family Welfare, at Mount Olive College (MOC), Kohima.
In his address, he highlighted the state’s ongoing commitment to eradicate tobacco use among young people and remarked that the motive of the campaign will only be achieved through collective effort. The programme was chaired by MOC assistant professor, department of education
Nievepolu Tetseo, invocation by NBCC youth secretary Rev. N. Suhuto Chishi and welcome address by principal of the college Dr. Koseno.
Delivering key note address, Dr. Arenla Walling, Joint Director (Dental) and State Nodal Officer for the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), emphasized the campaign’s strategies. Special presentation was performed by Female Voice, Mount Olive College, Kohima followed by an anti-tobacco pledge and vote of thanks by Dr. I Simon Sumi, District Nodal Officer (NTCP), Kohima.
This 60-day initiative aims to further combat tobacco use among the youth with a focus on four key strategies: 1) Public Awareness: Intensifying efforts to educate the community on the detrimental health effects of tobacco; 2) TOFEI Compliance: Ensuring adherence to the Tobacco Free Educational Institutions (TOFEI) norms to create healthier learning environments, 3) COTPA Enforcement: Strengthening the implementation of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003 and 4) Tobacco Free Villages: Promoting and supporting the establishment of tobacco-free communities.
In addition to four strategies, this year, the campaign also specifically emphasized amplifying social media engagement to actively involve youth and shield children from tobacco industry tactics.
TUENSANG: Tobacco Free Youth Campaign-2.0 was launched in Tuensang at St. John Higher Secondary School, Tuensang by Deputy Commissioner, Tuensang Lithrongla Tongpi Rutsa.
A press release from DMO, NHM Tuensang informed that DC in his speech encouraged the students to be ambassadors to spread awareness about the ill effects of tobacco usage. She also congratulated the three schools who have received award of tobacco free school namely, GHSS, Tuensang, Trinity Academy and Christ King School.
Talk on campaign objectives was highlighted by Sr. Dental Surgeon, DNO NTCP Tuensang Dr. O. Daisy Ovung. District Consultant, NTCP Tuensang Sentilong Longchar chaired the programme and welcome address was delivered by Rev. Fr. Shaji Mathew of St. John higher secondary school Tuensang.
After the programme, DC flagged off of F.R.E.E EnBLOC Motorcycle Club bike rally to create more awareness of tobacco.
The programme was attended by DC, Teachers, Students, motorcycle club members and others officials.
DIMAPUR: The launching programme of the “60-days Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 2.0” was held at DC conference Hall Dimapur. The campaign was launched by Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur, Dr. Tinojongshi Chang by releasing new sets of IEC materials for the campaign.
At the event, DC also felicitated five Schools: Government Middle School Phaipijang, Government High School Sarbura, Government Primary School Kirha, Neingulie Memorial High School and Christian mission School, with Tobacco-Free School Certificate for adopting Tobacco-free Educational Institution (ToFEI) guidelines of NTCP.
Key note address was delivered by Dr. Moa N Jamir, District Nodal Officer, NTCP Dimapur. NTCP activity report was presented by Imkumla Aier, psychologist NTCP and the programme was attended by the District level coordination committee members and representatives of Schools.
MON: The campaign organised by National Tobacco Control Program, Mon was launched at Holy Cross School, Mon District by Deputy Commissioner, Ajit Kumar Verma on September 24.
A press release by Dr. Esther Ngullie informed that the campaign was launched for 60 days all over India to protect the youth from the harmful effects of tobacco and from tobacco addiction, focused on four strategies.
During the launching programme, the DC encouraged the students to focus on their aim and goals in life and not to be distracted by any form of substance abuse like tobacco, drugs and alcohol.
District Nodal Officer, NTCP, Mon Dr Esther Chophy Ngullie, spoke on the objections of the campaign and appealed to the administration, police department, school authorities, public, NGO’s and especially the students to cooperate with the team to make the campaign successful in Mon District.
Anti-Tobacco pledge was taken by everyone led by Dr Lihngam Koyak, Jr Dental Surgeon, District Hospital, Mon. The program was chaired by Nyeamying Konyak, district consultant, NTCP, Mon and welcome address by Sabu James, principal, Holy Cross School, Mon