Health officials in Kohima pledge for tobacco-free district

Health officials under the chief medical officer (CMO) establishment have pledged for a tobacco-free district during a programme held in the conference hall of the directorate of Health and Family Welfare on Thursday.

Chairing the programme, the CMO of Kohima, Dr. Tumchobeni, informed thank NHAK along with 90 schools, 19 villages, 13 teaching institutes, two rehabilitation centres, one orphanage, 32 dental clinics 7 hospitals, 32 police stations have been declared tobacco-free.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. I Simon Sumi, informed that youngsters start consuming either smoke or smokeless tobacco products as early as 15 to 24 years of age. He also apprised how tobacco is causing premature mortality in the world and stated that “tobacco is the only legally available substance which kills when it is used as intended.”

The nodal officer also stated that one-third of the people are exposed to ‘secondhand smoke’ and about 6 lakh people die yearly prematurely as a result of exposure to smoking. He also cited on the importance of tobacco control by preventing on several evidence-based strategies which can reduce tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke. He also informed regarding the four strategies for preventing tobacco user in young people by eliminating exposure to second-hand smoke and advancing to healthy equity by identifying tobacco related disparities.

Report further stated that pledge was administered by the nodal officer.