Morung Express New
Dimapur | May 31
Nagaland today celebrated ‘World No Tobacco Day 2019 (WNTD) along with the rest of the world in an effort to put a concerted effort to make Nagaland fight the menace of tobacco. Several programme and activities were organised by governmental agencies, health and educational institutions to create awareness on the harmful effects of tobacco.
Kohima: In state capital Kohima, District Tobacco Control Cell (DTCC) Kohima, Department of Health & Family Welfare celebrated 'World No Tobacco Day 2019' with the theme "Tobacco & Lung Health" at DBT Hall, NHAK, Kohima on May 31. Mission Director (NHM) of Health & Family Welfare Department, Dr. Kevichüsa Medikhru speaking as special guest said that the day was an important day as the State ranks as one of the highest tobacco user in the country. He also lauded NTCP team for the achievements made so far.
Dimapur: The WNTB was observed in various educational and health institutions with several activities. At the main event at Delhi Public School, Darogapathar, Deputy Commissioner Dimapur, Kevekha Kevin Zehol as special guest said that Nagaland has been ranking in the top list for all the wrong reasons as the abuse of tobacco, opium, sedatives, inhalants etc are very high according to reports. He however lauded the district nodal officer of the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) and his team for their efforts in making 130 schools and 3 villages’ tobacco free in the district and further called upon the gathering to be brave enough join the pledge. CMO, Dimapur, Dr K Vikato Kinimi who also graced the occasion as guest of honor.
Wokha: Wokha district observed the day at Don Bosco Higher Secondary School (DBHSS) Youth Centre, organized by DBTCC, NTCP, Wokha with ADC Wokha, Andrew C Imti and SDPO Wokha, Imkongsangba as the Special guest and guest of honor respectively. ADC, Wokha addressing the gathering said, awareness generation is very important among school children about the harmful effects of tobacco products because it not only affects health but also the country’s economy. He appealed to the school children attending the programme to spread the awareness among fellow friends and family about its harmful effects. SDPO, Wokha spoke on the legal aspect pertaining to specific law about COTPA Act 2003 banning smoking in public places. Dr Benchilo Ngullie, DTO, Wokha spoke on the theme ‘Tobacco and Lung Health.’ Highlights of the programme included presentation of songs by students of Parennial Montessori School and short play on harmful effect of tobacco by Saron Youth.
Mokokchung: Mokokchung observed the day at Mayangnokcha Government Higher Secondary School on May 31. In a press release from DPMU, CMO office the guest of honor was Manpai Phom, ADC Mokokchung. Speaking on the occasion, he said that the day is further intended to draw attention to the widespread prevalence of tobacco uses and its negative health effects, which currently lead to more than 7 million deaths each year worldwide, including 890,000 of which are the result of non-smokers being exposed to second- hand smoke. Dr Sunep SMO, TB and Chest disease Hospital, Mokokchung highlighted about the negative impact that tobacco has on people’s lung health, from cancer to chronic respiratory disease and the awareness on the harmful and deadly effects of tobacco use and second-hand smoke exposure. Other Highlights of the function programme included a special song and Act Play by student Nurse, Imkongliba Memorial District Hospital Mokokchung and IEC leaflets were also distributed among the participants.
National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP)
Mon: The WNTD in Mon district was held at Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, with Thavaseelan K, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Mon as the Special Guest.
Thavaseelan stated that over the years, there has been generally a descending trend of smoking in Nagaland. But the number of people who use tobacco in other forms has seen significant increase, adding that this was a serious concern. He added that Lung Cancer and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD) are the major problem.
Dwelling on the danger of Second Hand Smoke (SHS), the DC also stated that, as per studies, 68% of the population is exposed to SHS in their homes where parents or someone else smokes, 22% in public places and 27% in workplaces . He also added that there is already a law which bans smoking in public places but enforcement of the same is a cause for concern.
Dr I Simon Sumi, District Nodal Officer, NTCP, Mon who was the theme speaker said that, tobacco is consumed in two forms namely Smoking (Cigarette, Bidi, Hookah etc) and Smokeless (Pan, Gutka, Khaini, Talab, Rajniganda etc. He emphasized on the effect of tobacco in the lungs such as infections that inflames air sacs in one or both lungs which may fill with fluid subsequently. Dr Kechongol Sophie, Chief Medical Officer, Mon chaired the programme.
Zunheboto: District Health Society, Zunheboto in collaboration with Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP) observed WNTB at Step by Step School, Zunheboto on May 31. Dr K Akaho Sema, Deputy CMO, Zunheboto speaking on the occasion as guest speaker, said that tobacco contributes to most of the leading causes of death in the world. Dr Sema encouraged the participants to be the “living example” not to indulge in tobacco products. Uniel Kichu, IPS, Superintendent of Police, Zunheboto, the guest of honor, emphasized that the top priority is to avoid combustible tobacco products, and the only way for an individual to completely eliminate tobacco-related harms is not to use them. He also motivated the students to inculcate healthy habits and encouraged them to be “champion of tobacco free life.” An open Quiz and painting competition was also held, where winners were given cash award. Free IEC materials were distributed during the observance. The programme was attended by three schools, Police, STH, IEC bureau and medical fraternity. Altogether 265 participants partook during the observance.
