Women community sensitized on harmful effects of tobacco and COPTA Act 2003
Wokha, April 8 (DIPR): District Tobacco Control Cell, Wokha and Department of Health & Family Welfare organized a one day seminar on sensitization of women community on the harmful effects of tobacco and COPTA Act 2003 on April 8 at LTC Hall, Wokha, with EAC (Judicial) Wokha T. Kupa as the chief guest.
Delivering the keynote address, District Nodal Officer (NTCP), Wokha Dr. Meribeni Odyuo said it is worrisome that more than half of Nagaland population (57%) are tobacco users. Nagaland, she informed, stands as the second highest consumer of tobacco, next to Mizoram, according to GATS 2010 survey.
She stated steps are being taken to curb tobacco menace especially with the inception of tobacco control laws like COPTA 2003. “More people are now aware and advocating smoke free or tobacco free surrounding,” she added. Dr. Odyuo also informed that NTCP, Wokha team is working to create awareness about the ills of tobacco amongst the society and has conducted awareness programmes in 26 schools, training and sensitization programmes in the churches, towns and nearby villages. More of such programmes are coming up, she said.
Meanwhile, the chief guest said if proper awareness is given to the public, use of tobacco can be prevented, and called on the gathering to sensitize the public on the harmful effects of tobacco consumption.
Dr. Pithungo Kikon, MO, Wokha also spoke on tobacco & women’s health, while Kimiri Tungoe (WDLSA) and Abeni Kikon dwelled on COPTA Act 2003 and role of women in society.
The function was chaired by Mharoni Ezong, while vote of thanks was delivered by Ruutsome Savino.
