Four institutions receive tobacco free certificates

Dimapur, March 27 (EMN): The Nagaland Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) coordination committee conducted a review meeting for the 4th quarter 2017-18 for Dimapur district on March 27 at the conference hall of deputy commissioner in Dimapur. The meeting was presided over by the additional deputy commissioner, Sara Jamir. Update from DPRO informed on Tuesday. During the meeting, tobacco free certificates were awarded to three schools and one college including G. Mhinsiu School, Burma Camp; St. Thomas Higher Secondary School, Nagagaon; St. Francis De Sale School, Phiphema; and Yemhi Memorial College, Neoali Basti. The certificates were handed over by ADC Sara Jamir, DPRO Dimapur Lolano Patton, Deputy CMO Dr. Antoly and Liaison Officer DMC G. Sharma. Dr. C. Tetseo (DNO, NTCP) highlighted on Global Adult Tobacco Survey, 2016-17 through PowerPoint presentation. He reminded that tobacco free campaign is a continuous journey which needs to keep improving. He wished success to the schools and colleges in their campaign to make their institutions Tobacco Free Zones. Principal of St. John High School Diphupar, Johnny Abraham while sharing his experiences said with the awards, responsibilities of the schools / colleges increases. Abraham suggested in forming a committee by robbing in parents, teachers and members from village authority in order to create more awareness amongst the children about the health hazards as a result of consuming tobacco items. Maintaining that students are in school for a maximum of six hours, he said change should start from home to make tobacco free child, tobacco free family and tobacco free family a reality. In her concluding remarks, ADC congratulated all the schools and encouraged them to continue in their campaign. “If school provides tobacco free atmosphere to the children then we can have tobacco free generation very soon,” she said and added that if Dimapur district can be tobacco free other districts would follow suit.