Zunheboto district launched the Smoke-Free District Headquarter Campaign on 2nd August 2021 at Deputy Commissioner's residence in the presence of President, Sumi Hoho, STH, Town GB's Association and various other public leaders.

Chairing the programme, District Nodal Officer NTCP, Zunheboto, Dr. Easter Chophy Ngulie highlighted about the aims and objectives of the campaign. She mentioned that, according to a survey, nearly 10 lakhs of the populace are into tobacco habits out of 23 lakhs total population in Nagaland for which the campaign had to be initiated to protect the future generation. She also briefed about the hazardous health infections caused by passive smoking. Easter added that the campaign mainly aims to protect the non-smokers especially our children.

ANPSA president, Zunheboto Unit, Tokavi Swu, expressed his appreciation to Dr Easter and her team for initiating No Tobacco Campaign earlier at the district focusing on schools and other public places. He added that after organising no tobacco clubs at various schools, it has helped and have come a long way in curbing tobacco usage in the district and mainly among the younger generation, which is a positive sign, he added.

Main speaker of the programme, Deputy Commissioner Zunheboto, Peter Lichamo, spoke about the disastrous effects of passive smoking and said that the smokers have and is killing the non-smokers with the fatal addiction of smoking. He appealed to the gathering by saying that the public should work together sincerely in making the campaign a success. Smoking habits needs to be treated as an emergency situation, keeping in mind the ill effects to our health in general, he added. Lichamo congratulated the campaign initiators for successfully launching the programme at the district and wished them success, which is totally needed for everyone's benefit, he added.

                                                                                                (IA, Zunheboto)