Dimapur, October 19 (MExN): NEISSR in collaboration with National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) launched Smoke Free Dimapur Campaign at NEISSR on October 19. Dr C Tetseo, DNO NTCP Dimapur oriented the students on the importance of creating awareness about the ill effects of tobacco consumption. He expressed apprehension that an epidemic is looming large over Nagaland because of the high consumption rate of tobacco.
“The Smoke Free Dimapur Campaign is not a campaign to ban smoking and use of tobacoo products in Dimapur per se. But it is an initiative to create awareness among the smokers and the non smokers, the ill effects of first hand smoke and second hand smoke by requesting smokers not to smoke in public areas. Incidentally, Nagaland ranks second in the incidence of non smokers being exposed to second hand smoke (SHS). As future social worker, the trainees have an added responsibility towards spreading awareness on the impacts of tobacco consumption and the health issues associated with it,” he said. While highlighting the provisions under the Cigarettes and other Tobacco Product Act (COTPA 2003), he also expressed his gratitude to the management of NEISSR for declaring the institute as a tobacco free campus. He exuded confidence that students from other colleges in and around Dimapur will follow the footstep of NEISSR and volunteer in making Dimapur a Smoke Free Zone.
Welcoming the officials of NTCP, Dr. C.P. Anto, Principal, NEISSR expressed the continued cooperation and collaboration of the institute in making Dimapur, a smoke free zone. He also expressed his gratitude to the officials of the NTCP for coming forward with the proposal to collaborate in the noble initiative of Smoke Free Dimapur Campaign.
A press release from the NEISSR stated that altogether 25 MSW trainees from NEISSR opted as volunteers in creating awareness about smoking in public places and curbing the effects of tobacco.
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