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The result of Global adult tobacco survey 2016 (GATS-2) for north eastern states was declared in a function in Guwahati on 24th November. The survey shows that there is a drop of 14 % points in overall use of Tobacco products among 15 years and above in the Nagaland during the last 5 years. The prevalence rate in 2010 was 57% and in 2016 it came down to 43% and our tobacco prevalence ranking in north east slipped to 7th position from the current 2nd position. This drop is significant because unlike Mizoram and Sikkim where there is strong political will for tobacco control, in Nagaland the situation is different. The success is attributed to the awareness created by the health department and the positive role played by media. But above all the institutions have played a crucial role as many colleges and schools have integrated antitobacco measures into institutional system and they are sustaining it on their own. But in spite of the progress made the tobacco prevalence rate of 43% in the state is still very high and way ahead of National average of 29% There are some real areas of concerns and so we need to sustain the campaign in order to bring it down to acceptable level. The need of the hour is political will and proactive role by the Churches which will go a long way in reducing social acceptance of tobacco habit in our society.
DC C Tetseo District Nodal Officer NTCP