Tobacco sales increase in Nagaland

Dimapur, May 31 (MExN): Tobacco epidemic kills nearly 6 million people each year globally, out of which 5 million are from direct tobacco use and more than 600, 000 are non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke, according to WHO.  

Tobacco consumption is also the single most preventable cause of death. Yet, smoking is seen as a style statement by many and tobacco is common throughout the world. Nagaland is no exception in tobacco consumption. Recent report by Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) – India, 2009 - 2010 shows that the State has tobacco consumption rate of 57 %. In Nagaland, though number of smokeless tobacco (gutkha) users among young people is increasing.   

Manshok started out smoking at the age of 10, “out of curiosity”. Little did he know it would later turn into an addiction. It has been years now, and he struggles to give it up. He did not know about the health hazards when he began smoking. Now, he is addicted to gutkha as well. In India, the average age of starting tobacco use is before 15 years, according to the GATS — India 2010 report.    

Considering the health risks of tobacco usage, World Health Organization has marked down May 31 as ‘World No Tobacco Day’, to create awareness about tobacco consumption risks and reduce its usage. This year’s theme is “Ban tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship”. According to WHO, “Hard-hitting anti-tobacco advertisements and graphic pack warnings – especially those that include pictures – reduce the number of children who begin smoking and increase the number of smokers who quit.” 

Efforts have been made by various civil society organizations to curb gutkha consumption through banning its sales in the shops in Nagaland. Nevertheless, its consumption has not decreased. 

“Sales of cigarettes and gutkhas have been increasing among the youngster and elderly people alike,” confides Pretty Ayemi, a shopkeeper. 

Studies also suggest that social factors like friends, peer pressure and social gathering play a leading part as a trigger to tobacco consumption. 

“I feel incomplete and grumpy when I don’t have tobacco in my mouth,” says Anok who continuously chew on gutkhas. He started taking tobacco with friends when he was in High School. 

In Nagaland where tobacco use is highly prevalent, carrying out awareness campaigns might prove more beneficial to mitigate tobacco use. Tobacco use causes Cancer, heart disease, lung diseases (including emphysema, bronchitis, and chronic airway obstruction), premature birth, low birth weight, stillbirth, and infant death. Smokeless tobacco causes a number of serious oral health problems, including cancer of the mouth and gums, periodontitis, and tooth loss. Cigar use causes cancer of the larynx, mouth, esophagus, and lung. WHO also reported use of tobacco is rampant mainly due to low prices, aggressive and widespread marketing, lack of awareness about its dangers, and inconsistent public policies against its use.