Wokha, June 2 (MExN): World No Tobacco Day was observed at Dr MM District Hospital here with a focus on WHO theme ‘Get ready for plain packaging.’
Dr Meribeni Odyuo, DNO (NTCP), Wokha gave a short introduction on the theme and its significance in reducing tobacco consumption in any form across the globe, while also describing the history of World No Tobacco Day. She lamented the grim scenario of tobacco consumption in Nagaland, which is the second highest tobacco consuming state in the country after Mizoram.
Dr Mhonthung Tungoe, Dental Surgeon, in his keynote address spoke on the harmful effects of tobacco and also highlighted the burdens of tobacco in India. He pointed out that tobacco kills 10 lakhs annually and is the main cause of oral cancer in India.
T Kupa, EAC Wokha Hq representing the Deputy Commissioner, Wokha exhorted the gathering. He stressed on the importance of the Government, stakeholders, NGOs and churches in reducing tobacco consumption. He said that a single tobacco user in a family has an impact on the family’s economy. He added that it is the responsibility of everyone to play a role in reducing tobacco consumption.
Dr Enrithung Lotha, Chief Medical Officer, Wokha spoke on the importance of awareness on the harmful effects of tobacco and also on the sensitization of the stakeholders. He also spoke on the importance of setting up of Counselling and Tobacco Cessation Centres.
‘Consumption level of tobacco very high in Peren’
Peren: World No Tobacco Day with the theme “Plain Packaging” was observed at District Hospital, Peren on May 31. Dr. Atsungla, Medical Superintendent, District Hospital Peren in her keynote address raised concern about the alarming death caused by the effects of tobacco use. She said Peren district has been approved in the second phase of National Tobacco Control Programme implementation by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, GOI because consumption level of tobacco is very high in the district as per survey report. She called upon the participants to cooperate and give support as the department along with the stakeholders go about implementing the programme in the district.
Tainu, ADC Peren challenged the participants to be proactive and take steps to thwart the increasing tobacco consumption amongst the public and to disseminate awareness to the community about the ill effects.
School children perform play on after effect of tobacco
Dimapur: MGM Hr Sec School, Dimapur celebrated World No Tobacco Day on May 31. In the morning assembly, Priyanka delivered an awareness speech and Class 12 students performed a short play with the theme “After effect of tobacco addiction”. Poster competition was conducted on the theme “Get Ready for Plain Packaging”. The winners were given certificates.
Principal, Fr. PS Varghese gave awareness talk and briefly explained the ill effects of tobacco. The activated Anti-Tobacco Cell members were informed to give awareness talks to each class and check the students against use of any type of tobacco products in the school campus. The Principal also informed that MGM has been awarded state level Anti Tobacco Free School Certificate for its tremendous efforts to fight against tobacco use among children.
