State Tobacco Control Cell, National Tobacco Control programme Nagaland celebrated World No Tobacco Day under the theme “We Need Food, Not Tobacco” at Kevilhouu Rio Auditorium, G. Rio School Kohima on 31st May 2023 with Special Guest Y. Kikheto Sema, IAS Commissioner & Secretary Health & Family Department Nagaland.
He said that the consumption of Tobacco is on the rise as approximately 2 lakh hectares of land is utilized for farming tobacco which is affecting our lives and the lives of farmers. The WHO has also teamed up with other like-minded United Nations Organisations agencies to help to support the farmers by way of awareness and financial assistance so that they will give up tobacco cultivation farming. He also urged people to stay away from using all tobacco products which not only affects one's health but also affects the economy of family and society as a whole the effect of tobacco is very huge as about 8.2 million death in a year globally and even in our country 1.3 million death every year due to the consumption of tobacco, which the death caused by tobacco-related issues.
He said recently in the state, more than 700 patients are registered in hospitals detected with cancer mostly tobacco-related issues. And today Nagaland is the second highest user of tobacco in India next to Mizoram and 13-15 year-olds in Nagaland are the highest consumer of tobacco with 43% so all sections of the people should involve, as only the concerned department cannot do it.
He suggested churches, NGOs, and political willpower to come forward to curb the situation. He was delighted that the younger generations who are the future are coming up with a cause to say NO to Tobacco. As he launched the 60 days, NO TOBACCO CAMPAIGN he urged all the students, and children to initiate NO TOBACCO Home as the parents will surely agree to their children. He also congratulated and gave away certificates to 15 students from G. Rio School for pledging NO TOBACCO HOME along with their parents which is a great response to pave the way for huge changes as Nagaland is the fourth state in the country to start No Tobacco Home.
The programme was chaired by Radhika Chetri, invocation by Aphre Kerhuo, Economic impact of tobacco-use by Linoka K. Awomi DTCC Consultant, NTCP and a special song by G. Rio School, followed by certificate presentations and vote of thanks by Dr. Arenla walling Dy. Director & SNO (NTCP) DH&FW.
(Shahoto IA)
