Dr C Tetseo speaking at the awareness programme on anti tobacco use in the Patkai Christian College on November 13. (Photo Courtesy/PCC)
Dimapur, November 13 (MExN): In a bid to make the college campus a tobacco-free campus, the Tobacco Control Committee of Patkai Christian College in collaboration with National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) organised an awareness programme on anti tobacco use in the campus, here today.
Speaking on the occasion as the resource person, district nodal officer (NTCP) Dr C Tetseo informed that the overall prevalence rate of tobacco users among adult population in the state of Nagaland is 43.3%. Of which the prevalence rate of smokeless tobacco users is 39% with 13.2% smokers and 8.9% dual users (both smokers and smokeless tobacco users), he added. Delving on the background of the functionalities of tobacco industry, Dr Tetseo said that youths are being targeted more by the industry through glamorisation, star power, brand extensions and free distribution tactics to enhance consumerism for the tobacco industry.
He also explored the loopholes in tobacco control laws stating that tobacco industries are not being regulated properly. He further informed that deaths due to tobacco consumption as per the record is 7.3 million every year across the globe. Stressing on the significance of awareness campaign, Dr Tetseo said that youth engagement in controlling the prevalence of tobacco users is important. Their role is paramount in making educational institutes a tobacco-free zone. Member of the college Tobacco Control Committee, Wetshete Thopi urged all the students and faculties present to strive together in making the campus a tobacco-free campus. He further sought collective efforts in creating awareness among tobacco users beyond the campus.
Coordinator of the programme, Amay Angami along with other staff, faculties and hundreds of students were present on the occasion. This was stated in a press release issued by Dr Dakter Esse, HOD Communication Studies, Patkai Christian College.
