Akangjungla
Presenting a wider picture of tobacco users around the globe, the Commission Report, ‘Reignite the Fight Against Smoking’ prepared by The International Commission to Reignite the Fight Against Smoking in September 2021 suggests that worldwide there are over 1.1 billion people who use tobacco. Nearly 8 million die each year of tobacco-related causes, and 200 million years of life are lost. At current rates, 6.5 million people will die in 2060, only a small decline in total mortality over 40 years, the report estimates.
Coming to India, the ‘Reignite the Fight Against Smoking’ reports that India along with China and Indonesia are the home to nearly half of all global tobacco users. India ranks second with 250,002,133 smokers between the age of 16 and 64. WHO factsheet 2018 figures that more than 1 million adults die each year in India due to tobacco use accounting for 9.5% of overall deaths and according to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2016–17, the overall prevalence of smoking tobacco use is 10.38% and smokeless tobacco use is 21.38% in India.
In Nagaland, as per the GATS data provided by District Tobacco Control Cell Kohima, the State records 43.3% of tobacco users; 39% smokeless tobacco users; 13.2% smokers; 8.9% both type users and 56.7% non users.
A day ago, as a way forward to reduce tobacco use, the Chairman of National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) during the webinar, ‘Freedom From Tobacco: What India Wants’ on the occasion of National Youth Day called for a significant raise in taxes and implementing the proposed amendments for a stricter anti-tobacco law, Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products Act 2003 (COTPA 2003) (prohibition of advertisement and regulation of trade and commerce, production, supply and distribution).
With all good intentions, COTPA imposes several prohibitions which are sadly, vigorously violated due to non-adherence of the act by ill-informed public and ineffective law enforcing agencies. The possibility of achieving dramatic change in the scenario of tobacco consumption through regulatory policies, stricter law and wider awareness have been superseded by new technology and innovations which offers alternatives to the consumers with guarantee for lesser chances of causing harm to their health conditions.
Like anywhere else in the world, Nagaland too seeks to stop its people from consuming addictive substances identified as harmful and makes efforts to lower risks. The figures presented above many help policy makers, health experts and other stakeholder to create conditions for recommendations and suggestion for controlling and reducing, if not eradication tobacco use. Though it might not be right away possible, the State Government can get more serious with its strategy, strictly implement the laws it is enacting and ensure to regulate laws which are already in place. As the concerns continue to remain, the attempt to create more awareness about the health hazards of smoking and tobacco among the people must amplify.
Also, for consumers to make informed decision on the preference of what they choose to consume, need a rethinking. The question of fundamental rights and respecting the individual space should not be a greater gain comparing to the horrendous consequences and of one’s wellbeing due to consumption of addictive substances. The decision to quit or not to quit must be determined by the will to live a healthier life for now and for the future.
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