Kohima, May 31 (DIPR): Department of Health & Family Welfare Nagaland, Kohima organised ‘World No Tobacco day’ on May 31 at Capital Convention Centre with Minister, Health & Family Welfare, P. Longon as the chief guest and Minister, School Education, SCERT Nagaland Yitachu as the guest of honour,
Addressing the gathering, the chief guest P. Longon stated that World Health Organization (WHO) has dedicated the 31st May every year to showcase tobacco related disease burdens globally and to spread awareness on tobacco hazards worldwide. He said tobacco is the single greatest preventable cause of death in the world today which kills more than one million Indians every year. Adding that tobacco causes more death than HIV, AIDS, Diarrhea, dysentery, malnutrition and road traffic accidents combined globally.
The chief guest pointed out that Nagaland has the 2nd highest tobacco users in the country with the tobacco initiation begins at the age group of 8 years to 13 years of school children used tobacco and at present 41% of these age group buys tobacco products for their parents and relative which needs to control totally.
Longon assured that the department of Family Welfare would continue to invest resources and exercise their influence to protect non-smokers and children from tobacco hazards and also help tobacco users to quit habit through various initiatives.
The Chief Guest also requested the department of School Education and Higher Education to give co-operation and active participation in the fight against tobacco menace in the state to be ‘Tobacco free schools and institution in the coming days’. He called upon the Police department to intensify measures to control tobacco abuses in the state. He also appealed all the law makers, stakeholder, departments, administrative heads, heads of the departments and the responsible citizens of the state to set tobacco free role model lifestyles in work places and contribute towards tobacco free Nagaland.
Yitachu who also spoke on the occasion, urged the citizens to go beyond to eradicate smoke free from the streets, hospitals, schools, government offices, institution and public places. He appealed that whoever is a slave of it, to give up and those who have not taste it, not to try as it is not something to be experienced or to be tested. He also encouraged the children to influence the elders, as they have the power to do wonders not only for them but for the coming future.
He congratulated all the declared tobacco free schools, colleges/institute and Gariphema village and encouraged them to initiate more success story to share to the state in particular and to the world in general.
Joint Director H&FW & State Nodal Officer, NTCP, Dr. H. Hotokhu Chishi announced the declared tobacco free schools awardees where the chief guest and the guest of honour gave away the Certificate to all the declared schools, colleges/institutes and Gariphema village. He also read out the guidelines and action plans for effective implementation of “Smoke Free Kohima City” during the occasion.
The programme was chaired by Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Senti while presentation by Additional director, H&FW Dr. John Sweyievisa and vote of thanks by Principal Director H&FW Dr. L. Watikala. Other highlights of the programme include special number from Don Bosco Higher Secondary School Kohima, voice of children by Kessica from Dainty Buds School Kohima, voice of tobacco victim from David.
Students sensitized on danger of tobacco
District Legal Services Authority observed World No Tobacco Day with school children at the villages and sub-divisions across the state. Legal tools and activities undertaken to sensitise the students on the danger of tobacco and the prohibition thereof were simplified into painting, extempore speeches, posters and quiz competitions. Prizes were awarded to winners by District Legal Services Authorities.
Legal aspects on prohibition and prevention and control of use of tobacco products, right to health and Healthy living, Danger and Harmful effect of using drugs, child rights etc. were some of the topics, highlighted by the DLSAs Chairman, secretary, panel lawyers and doctors. The day was observed in a befitting way with the participation of the DLSAs with empanelled lawyers, para legal volunteers, doctors and school authorities.
Kohima District Legal Services Authority observed World No Tobacco Day with Don Bosco School, Cheiphobozou and Government Middle School Nerhe, Model Village at Don Bosco School Chiephobozou. Kekriengulie, Retainer Lawyer, KDLSA chaired the programme. Father Matthew, Chairman, Don Bosco School Cheiphobozou said the welcome address.
Mezivolu T Therieh, NJS, Chief Judicial Magistrate, Kohima and Secretary, KDLSA spoke on ‘Dangers of using Tobacco.’ Speaking on ‘Right of Children’, Thejapfutuo Khezhie, Panel Lawyer stressed on the POCSO Act. Nancy Lotha, Panel Lawyer spoke on the topic ‘Right to Health and Healthy Living.’ Later, a quiz was conducted by Apila Sangtem, Panel Lawyer, on the topics which were presented during the session followed by distribution of pamphlets and sweets. Total of 470 students and teachers attended the programme.
Speech competition on ‘Smoke Free Dimapur’
Dimapur District NTCP observed World No Tobacco Day 2016 on May 31 at Christian Higher Secondary School, Dimapur by organising a prepared speech competition on ‘Smoke Free Dimapur’ and recognising tobacco free schools under Dimapur district.
Dr. K. Vikato Kinimi, Chief Medical Officer Dimapur reiterated the dangers of tobacco use and especially warned the students that in addition to causing cancer and many other health hazards, consumption of tobacco products can lead to nicotine addiction if tobacco consumption begins at an early age.
Albert Ezung, SDO (Civil) Dimapur urged the students to be free from tobacco and lead a tobacco free life. Dr. C. Tetseo, Nodal Officer NTCP Dimapur presented the keynote address while Moainla Imchen, CHSS shared the voice of children for Smoke Free Dimapur and Highland Hall School students presented a skit on the danger of tobacco use.
During the function, 50 schools were awarded state level certificates in recognition for making their institutions a tobacco free school in Dimapur district. Schools were urged to use tobacco free school logo in their prospectus in future. Certificates and prizes were distributed to the participants of Prepared Speech Competition.
Led by Dr. Antoly Suu, Dy. Chief Medical Officer Dimapur, the students, teachers and all participants of the programme took Anti Tobacco Pledge.
ZMHSS campaigns for ‘Tobacco free youth’
Zakietsato Memorial Higher Secondary School observed World No Tobacco Day with focus on campaign message ‘Tobacco free youth’. The programme included sensitisation on evil of smoking, chewing of tobacco and the significance of creating awareness among adolescent as they are tye most vulnerable groups to bet into ill habits.
MITE Kohima highlights ill effect of tobacco
Modern Institute of Teacher Education, Kohima observed World No Tobacco Day on May 30 at MITE Auditorium. The principal briefed about the ill effect of tobacco and its uses. He encouraged the students and teachers not to use and not to let use the young students the tobacco products. Pelee Hekha, Managing director gave a speech based on the topic ‘No Tobacco’ and stressed on maintaining the institution ‘Free Tobacco Zone’. A costume drama was played with the theme harmful effect of tobacco. The programme was ended with the vote of thanks by Eunice and benediction by Meitsu.
WNTB observed at district hospital Peren
World No Tobacco Day was observed at district hospital Peren with the theme plain packaging on May 24 with ADC Peren, Tainiu was the chief guest. Speaking at the programme, she said that consuming tobacco creates problem in the family as well as to the society. She also said that every faction of the people should be aware of the harmful effects of consuming tobacco. The programme was chaired by Dr. Tiala Longkumer who also delivered welcome note while the keynote address was delivered by Dr. Atsungla and Dr. Sabino gave the vote of thanks. The programme was attended by Peren Town Students Union, GBs, Town committee and other officials.
