A one-day seminar on ‘the dangers of tobacco consumption,’ was held at Government Middle School, Chümoukedima on September 27. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | September 27
A one-day seminar on ‘the dangers of tobacco consumption,’ was held at Government Middle School, Chümoukedima on September 27. The seminar an initiative under the New Education Policy- NECTAR Project and organized in collaboration with District Tobacco Control Cell (DTCC) Dimapur and Christian Institute of Health Science and Research (CIHSR).
During the seminar, the students from Class I-8 were provided with a comprehensive view of the issue by officials from the medical institute and DTCC. Considering the high rate of cancer cases existing in the North East region and Nagaland in particular, Dr Atsung Aier, Senior Consultant, CIHSR noted the correlation with tobacco consumption as one major factor. “Previous years also, we had embarked upon similar programmes in colleges, institutions and at the community level,” he said.
He noted that the awareness should begin at the school level where underage children are most prone to picking up the habit of consuming tobacco.
“Consumption rate among the youths are particularly very high in Nagaland,” said Dr Moa Jamir, district nodal officer of DTCC. He revealed that the first stages of initiation begin as early as seven years of age.
Jamir explained that this initiative is part of a nation-wide campaign that began from March, 2023, with the second phase currently in operation. The DTCC aims to cover at least 160 schools during this time and declare them as ‘tobacco free zones,’ he said.
In India, the harmful effects of tobacco has led to the death of about 3.5 million people, Jamir added which could’ve been prevented had direction intervention and prevention been made before people pick up the habit. With Nagaland being placed third for tobacco users across the country, he added that a vigorous campaign must be initiated across the State.
