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Dimapur, Aug. 24 (EMN): In an alarming disclosure, joint director of Health department and state nodal officer of National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), Dr. Chiekroshuyi Tetseo, informed that 43% of teenager in the age group between 13 to 15 years in Nagaland used tobacco as per report of Global Youth Tobacco Survey-4, 2019.
Dr. Tetseo stated this during an orientation programme on revised guidelines for tobacco-free educational institutions (ToFEI) and introduction of tobacco-free Nagaland App at Hammock Resort in Wokha town on August 24. He appreciated the active role of NTCP Wokha in controlling tobacco usage and described it as one of the best performing districts in the state, stated an update from the office of the chief medical officer (CMO), Wokha.
He stated that the programme was organised to remind the educational institutions of activities related to tobacco use and update on the revised guidelines issued by the government of India. He added that the new app would be used extensively at homes and educational institutions.
While emphasising on the alarming rate of tobacco use in the state, Dr. Tetseo also stressed the need for intervention. He also explained the objectives of tobacco-free educational institutions and how vulnerable sections of the society have been affected due to tobacco use.
The deputy director of the Health department and state nodal office of National Oral Health Programme (NOHP) and resource person, Dr. Meribeni Odyuo, spoke on the need to strengthen tobacco control in educational institutions. She lauded the efforts of tobacco-free village, Yikhum, for establishing a de- addiction centre.
Later, the tobacco-free Nagaland App was launched by Achilo Murry, senior district education officer of Wokha, along with Dr. Tetseo.
More than 38 participants attended the one-day orientation programme.