Ranks second in use of tobacco in North East India
Dimapur, February 28 (DIPR): A review meeting for District Level Co-ordination Committee (DLCC) on National Tobacco Control program was held at the Office complex of DC Dimapur on February 28. ADC Dimapur, Dr. Kadambari IAS, chaired the meeting.
District Nodal Officer Dimapur, Dr. C. Tetseo gave a power point presentation on the activities of National Tobacco Control Program under Dimapur District. He said that in North East India, Nagaland ranks second and next only to Mizoram in rampant use of tobacco which he said is very high and about 57% of the people use tobacco in Nagaland in one form or the other. In an effort to control Tobacco, he said that 50 shops in Chumukedima area were raided, penalized and fined and awareness campaign was held in 25 schools in and around Dimapur Town.
Stressing on the importance of tobacco control Dr. Kadambari outlined the importance of disseminating information, education and communication to public for success in carrying out the program. She added that much awareness have to be created in schools and colleges, targeting the youth, spreading messages on the side effects and hazards of using tobacco. She suggested that the village Development Boards (VDBs) should be roped in so that they can spread the message directly from the grass roots level and create awareness among the public.
Dr. Temjennungsang Longchari suggested for signages and boards to be displayed and placed in all the schools and also to organize Marathons and other activities to create awareness.
Chairman PNF, Father Joe called for active involvement of the media, both the electronic and print media, stating that to make the tobacco control program a success the media needs to participate, involve and be part of it.
