Deputy Commissioner Rhosietho Nguori with awardees and dignitaries during the World No Tobacco Day programme at GHSS Phek.
Phek, June 2 (MExN): The District Tobacco Control Cell (DTCC) Phek under the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) observed World No Tobacco Day at Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS), Phek on May 31 under the theme, “Unmasking the Appeal: Countering Nicotine & Tobacco Addiction.”
Deputy Commissioner of Phek, Rhosietho Nguori, who attended as the guest speaker, encouraged students to guide their peers towards positive choices and healthy habits. He noted that peer pressure remains one of the factors influencing tobacco consumption among young people.
During the programme, certificates were presented to five villages—Lewoza, Leshemi, Middle Khomi, Kutisu and Kizari—and 16 educational institutions that were declared tobacco-free villages and tobacco-free educational institutions.
Delivering a presentation on the theme, District Nodal Officer, NTCP Phek, Dr Pfukrolo Koza, said, “World No Tobacco Day is observed globally every year to highlight the severe health risks associated with tobacco use and to advocate for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption.”
He informed participants that the World Health Organization’s global campaign focuses on exposing deceptive tactics used by the tobacco and nicotine industry to attract younger generations. Highlighting findings from an ongoing oral lesions study being conducted in Nagaland under an Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) project, Koza said there were alarming cases of pre-cancerous lesions among pan masala users.
“If there is no reduction in tobacco consumption, Nagaland is likely to witness a high number of oral cancer cases in the future,” he cautioned.
The programme was chaired by Kezevituo Chielie, PGT, GHSS Phek, while Vice Principal Thejangunuo Leruo delivered the welcome address. Students of GHSS presented a special song, and the programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Nikou Koza, Clinical Psychologist, District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), Phek.
The event was attended by representatives of civil society organisations, schools, villages and the medical fraternity.
.JPG)
