DIMAPUR: The (TFYC) 4.0 was launched in Dimapur, Mon and Wokha districts as part of a statewide initiative to strengthen tobacco control measures, promote tobacco-free educational institutions and communities, and protect young people from the harmful effects of tobacco use.
In Dimapur, the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) launched the campaign at Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS), Burma Camp.
District Nodal Officer, NTCP Dimapur, Dr. Esther Chophy Ngullie, highlighted the campaign’s objectives, including preventing tobacco initiation among children and youth, promoting cessation, strengthening enforcement of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), and encouraging tobacco-free educational institutions and communities.
According to a press release, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime), Dimapur, Khekali Y. Sema, who attended the programme as guest of honour, formally launched the campaign and urged students to adopt healthy lifestyles and stay away from addiction.
The programme was chaired by GHSS Burma Camp principal Nikali Sema, while NTCP psychologist Imkumla Aier led the tobacco-free pledge.
Meanwhile, the District Tobacco Control Cell (DTCC), Mon, launched TFYC 4.0 at Sacred Heart School on October 28. Consultant, NTCP Mon, E. Nyeamying Konyak, outlined the campaign’s four priority areas: enforcement of COTPA provisions, particularly near educational institutions; implementation of Tobacco-Free Educational Institution (ToFEI) guidelines; expansion of the Tobacco-Free Villages initiative; and intensified efforts to curb the use of e-cigarettes and vapes.
Additional Deputy Commissioner, Mon, Pakon Phom, who attended as guest of honour, officially launched the campaign. He stressed the importance of healthy youth in nation-building and cautioned students against the health risks of tobacco use, including cancer and respiratory diseases.
He also urged them to resist peer pressure and encourage others to lead tobacco-free lives.
Chairman of Sacred Heart School, Dr. M.H. Daniel, in his welcome address, called for collective responsibility in combating tobacco use.
The programme concluded with a pledge led by Dr. Lihngam, Junior Dental Surgeon, District Hospital Mon.
In Wokha, TFYC 4.0 was launched during the quarterly meeting of the District Level Coordination Committee (DLCC) under DTCC and NTCP, held at the Deputy Commissioner’s conference hall on October 30.
Deputy Commissioner and chairman of DTCC and DLCC (NTCP), K. Mhathung Tsanglao, launched the 60-day campaign aimed at intensifying awareness, enforcement and community participation. On the occasion, Wokha Town Council and Police Station Wokha were declared Tobacco-Free Offices.
Senior Dental Surgeon and District Nodal Officer, NTCP Wokha, Dr. Kihito Awomi, presented the activities and achievements of the District Tobacco Control Cell. He informed that 119 educational institutions, 47 health centres, one dental clinic, four offices, one police station, one bank and seven villages had been declared tobacco-free in the district.
The meeting was also informed that 30 violators had been booked under Sections 4, 6(a) and 6(b) of COTPA, 2003.
Officials noted that tobacco use among adults in Nagaland stood at 43.3%, significantly higher than the national average of 28.6%, with Wokha, Zunheboto and Tuensang among the districts reporting high consumption rates.
According to officials, TFYC 4.0 seeks to achieve a 50% increase in programme coverage through stricter enforcement of COTPA, expanded awareness campaigns, educational outreach and wider dissemination of information through public and private platforms.