Tobacco control cell, district level coordination committee, district level enforcement squad and flying squad, National Tobacco Control Programmed (NTCP) Wokha conducted its quarterly meeting at the official chamber of the Deputy Commissioner, Wokha on 22nd Sept 2020.

Dr.Daisy Ovung Sr.Dental Surgeon & DNO, NTCP Wokha who recently took charge as the new Nodal Officer NTCP, Wokha presented the quarterly report where she highlighted the activities undertaken from the month of April to September 2020 said three IEC campaign were conducted, price distribution for online poster painting competition, consultative meeting on tobacco prohibition, distribution of tobacco use & CIVID-19 flyers on Independence Day.

Ovung also stated that to study the pattern of tobacco use among the youth and to find the reasons for use Focus Group discussion (FGD) was conducted with youth leaders and adult community leaders where counselling to quit tobacco and pharmacotherapy were given to the participants and also emphasized on harmful effects of tobacco. Enforcement drive around schools and colleges was also carried out on 11th Sept 2020 where 15 defaulters were penalized for violation of COTPA under section 6 (B). Anti-tobacco advocacy campaign was also conducted in two villages.

She also highlighted the up-coming events like advocacy programmed in collaboration with Social Welfare department at Chukitong. 5 session of FGD with tobacco users in five colonies, 5 trainings with PRI/Teachers and NGOs and enforcement activities.

During the meeting the members suggested ways and means to strengthen the NTCP activities in the district.

(DPRO & Zubenthung IA, Wokha)