Nagaland observes ‘World No Tobacco Day’ to eradicate chronic diseases

EM Bureau

Dimapur, May 31 (EMN): Nagaland observed the ‘World No Tobacco Day’ on May 31 by organising various awareness programmes and other competitions for the students on the theme ‘Tobacco: Threat to our environment.’

The ‘World No Tobacco Day’ is observed around the world every year on May 31 with an objective to inform the public on the dangers of using tobacco.

‘World No Tobacco Day’ is one of 11 official global public health campaigns marked by the WHO, along with World Health Day, World Blood Donor Day, World Immunisation Week, World Tuberculosis Day, World Malaria Day, World Hepatitis Day, World Chagas Disease Day, World Patient Safety Day, World Antimicrobial Awareness Week and World AIDS Day.

Kohima: The chief medical officer (CMO) of Kohima, Dr. Vezokholu Theyo, on Tuesday stated that tobacco use in any form, including passive smoking, has negative effects on health.

Theyo was speaking on the occasion of ‘World No Tobacco Day’ organised by District Tobacco Control Cell (DTCC) Kohima at Paramedical Training Institute (PMTI), Kohima.

She said that curbing tobacco use would not only prevent fatal chronic diseases like cancer but also help the world inch closer to sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Keneikünu Zhotso, winner of essay writing competition from Loyola Higher Secondary School, Jakhama spoke on the theme “Tobacco- threat to our environment.”

Dr. Arenla Walling, district nodal officer of NTCP, led the tobacco-free declaration of 10 dental clinics in Kohima and prize distribution of essay and poster making competitions.

The 10 tobacco- free dental clinics are City Dental Clinic, Kohima Dental Centre, Pru Dental Clinic, Tooth Craft Dental Clinic, Pristine Dental Clinic, Emerald Dental Clinic, Ivory Dental Clinic, Clover Dental Clinic, Vizo Dental Clinic and Dental House. Primary Health Centre (PHC), Jakhama was also declared as the first tobacco-free PHC in Kohima.

In the essay writing competition, Keneikiinu Zhotso of Loyola Higher Secondary School, Jakhama, won the first position; while Nouneno Rino from Don Bosco HSS Zubza won the second position; and Jandeno Jami from Fernwood School won the third position.

In poster making competition, Thejaser Krose from Trinity School won the first position, while Besuvelu Tinyi from G Rio School secured second; and Ashibo Longkumer from Mount Sinai Higher Secondary School secured the third position.

The department of Health and Family Welfare also observed the ‘World No Tobacco Day’ at IDSP hall with its principal director, Dr. K Vikato Kinimi as the chief guest.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Kinimi lauded the officials from the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) for their sincere work and effort and exhorted them to continue working together even in the days ahead.

The additional director (dental) and NTCP state nodal officer, Dr. Chiekroshuyi Tetseo, highlighted the ongoing activities such as organising competitions, awareness campaigns, cleanliness drives etc in all the districts. With 43% among 13-15 years of age, he stated that Nagaland ranked highest in tobacco consumption in the country. He further informed that a special app known as ‘Tobacco free Nagaland app’ has been launched to monitor schools/ institutions for tobacco free-zone.

Meanwhile, Dr. Thorhusie Katiry, NHM mission director, released the ‘‘Handbook for healthcare workers’’ during the programme.

Zunheboto: Zunheboto observed the ‘World No Tobacco Day’ at Bloomfield Hill Higher Secondary School with the deputy commissioner of Zunheboto, Rahul Bhanudas Mali, as the guest of honour.

Speaking on the occasion, the DC congratulated 21 educational institutions in the district to be declared as ‘Tobacco-free school or No-tobacco zone.’ He gave insight on how tobacco use could lead to cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and one of the main causes of cancer.

He urged the school authorities to enact the COPTA 2003 and strictly implement stern action against those selling tobacco products within 100 yards from school premises.

He further requested the NTCP to make it a routine activity to conduct monthly inspection of shops in and around the school campus and confiscated the items.

Delivering the keynote address, the deputy CMO of Zunheboto, Dr. K Akaho Sema, highlighted that the day is observed to raise awareness about the harmful effect of tobacco use and to discourage the use of tobacco in uniform.

The guest speaker and vice principal of Zunheboto Government College, H Jekugha Sema, explained about the scientific nature of tobacco, its cultivation and production, while the district project assistant of Zunheboto district legal service authority, Tovi Z Yeptho, spoke on the COTPA 2003.

An update from the CMO’s office informed that a total of 168 students participated in a poster campaign competition. Dr. Esther Chophy Ngullie, NTCP district nodal officer, gave away cash prizes and certificates to all the participants.

Mon: Mon district observed the ‘World No Tobacco Day’ at DRDA hall in Mon town. An update from the CMO’ office, Mon, informed that the District Tobacco Control Cell (DTCC), in collaboration with Mon Town Students’ Union (MTSU) and Police department conducted a cleanliness drive on May 28 followed by an inter-school speech, essay writing and painting competitions on May 31.

The special guest, Imnalensa, assistant professor of Wangkhao Government College, Yinpai Konyak, and Dr. Simom felicitated the winners of the competitions.

Wokha: Wokha unit of the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) observed the ‘World No Tobacco Day’ at Mount Sinai School in Wokha town on May 31.

The theme speaker, Dr. MhaloTungoe, ACTO (Agri Extension) KrishiVigyan Kendra, spoke on the harmful effects of tobacco cultivation on the environment. Dr. Tungoe also mentioned the harm caused to the environment through the huge amount of non biodegradable tobacco products.

On the occasion, the deputy CMO, Dr. Zuben Kikon, gave away prizes to winners of poster painting competitions and also certificates to five schools which were declared tobacco-free institutions.

Similar programmes were held at Sanis community health centre and Sanis Government High School, where Dr. Mhonthung N Tungoe, dental surgeon of Sanis CHC, spoke on the harmful effects of tobacco. An essay writing competition was also organised by NTCP. Meanwhile, Niroyo, Okotso and Yikhum villages also observed the day.

PVHSS: Pranab Vidyapith Higher Secondary School (PVHSS), Dimapur, observed the ‘World No Tobacco Day’ by organising competitions on posters and placard making on the ill effects of tobacco.

Speaking on the occasion, the school’s principal, Monoj Bhattacharjee urged the gathering to refrain from use of tobacco products and to abolish them from society.

Motivational speeches were delivered by teachers and students. The programme concluded with a pledge to refrain from consuming tobacco products.

Pilgrim School: Presentation of speeches, songs and dances with the message to discourage tobacco consumption marked the ‘World No Tobacco Day’ celebration held at Pilgrim Higher Secondary School. A skit was also presented by the students of class of 7 (A) on the theme ‘friendship.’

Besides presentation of skits and songs, the school principal, Kaini administered an oath to the students.

Meluri: Commemorating the ‘World No Tobacco Day,’ Meluri sub-division in Phek district organised an awareness programme at the community health centre (CHC) and St. Xavier Higher Secondary School, Meluri.

On the occasion, Dr. Ngailong L Phom, dental surgeon of CHC Meluri, has highlighted the harmful effects of tobacco. He stated that students, who consume tobacco, show poor performance in studies. He also added that smokeless tobacco users have higher risk of oral cancer.

On the occasion, students took pledge not to consume any tobacco products and also spread awareness on the harmful effects of tobacco to their friends and family members.

Longleng: The ‘World No Tobacco Day’ programme in Longleng was held at PBCA conventional hall, Lempong, in Longleng town.

Speaking on the occasion, the CMO of Longleng, Dr. Obangjungla, spoke on the effects of secondhand smoke, which contributed to the death of eight lakh people and other health related issues such as cancer, TB, heart problems, stroke, and diabetes.

She encouraged the students to refrain from consuming all abusive tobacco products as it could cause dementia and hinder concentration in studies.

Dr. Bongau Phom, NTCP district nodal officer, informed that around 8 million people face early death due to the consumption of tobacco. Quoting statistics from ICMR, he stated that 50 out of 100 teenagers die prematurely at the productive age because of tobacco related disease.

The anti- tobacco pledge was administered by Dr. Bongau Phom.

Tuensang: Tuensang district observed the ‘World No Tobacco Day’ at the district headquarters with the superintendent of police, Vishal, as the chief guest.

Speaking on the occasion, Vishal has encouraged the students to lead a tobacco-free life and not to waste money on tobacco products but instead to do something for society. He also encouraged the students to enjoy their school life free from tobacco.

Talk on the significance of WNTD/ COTPA Act 2003 was delivered by Dr. Aoyanger, junior dental specialist at District Hospital Tuensang, while Dr. Senilo Magh, MO Psychiatrist at District Hospital Tuensang, spoke on the theme.

Drawing and essay writing competitions also marked the celebrations.

Dimapur: District Tobacco Control Programme (DTCC), Dimapur, in collaboration with the Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research (CIHSR), celebrated ‘World No Tobacco Day’ at LG Hall in CIHSR premises.

Speaking on the theme, Dr. Reyosalu Lase Vizo, DTCC district nodal officer, mentioned that tobacco wastes account for the second most littered items next to food packets and plastics.

In the poster making competition, Hope Academy secured the first place followed by Unity Christian Higher Secondary School and Government Higher Secondary School Diphupar- A respectively.

A drama was presented by students of Highland Hall School and a song was presented by students of college of Nursing CIHSR.

The programme was attended by students of various schools and colleges of Dimapur and representatives from DNSU, Diphupar village council, officers from Commissioner of police office, NGO, DLCC members, doctors and staffs of District Hospital Dimapur and CIHSR

Mokokchung: Jubilee Memorial College celebrated ‘World No Tobacco Day’ by organising a prepared speech competition and a talk from Dr. Kilangwapang Pongen, doctor at IMDH.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Kilangwapang shared about the ill-effects of tobacco consumption and stated that the different harmful chemicals in tobacco lead to all forms of cancer.

He also shared about the initiatives taken by the government on NTCP and COPTA 2003. While admitting that it was not possible to eradicate the use of tobacco completely, he was confident that it could be gradually controlled.

In the prepared speech competition, Prakriti Lama was declared the winner, while Toshimanen Imchen and Atekhingla Sangtam secured the second and third positions respectively.

Phek: Phek District Tobacco Control Cell (DTCC) under the aegis of NTCP observed ‘World  No Tobacco Day’ at Dr. Wethselo T Mero Memorial  Hall of the District Hospital, Phek.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Nichukholie Vupru, DNO NTCP Phek, presented on the harmful effects of tobacco to the environment throughout its life cycle from cultivation resulting to deforestation, production waste from factories in the form of smoke and sewage causing air and water pollution, non- degradable cigarettes butts and packages leading to clogging of drains and endangering aquatic animals, litters and spots causing u hygienic environment to live. He also emphasised on the need of raising awareness on the harmful effects of tobacco which is creating a risk not only to the health but also to the environment.

The special guest and ADC of Phek, Phuleshe K Yepthomi, highlighted the harmful effects of consuming tobacco which affects the health, economy and environment. He urged the participants and students in particular not to consume tobacco. He also appealed to the teachers to ensure that there is no tobacco shop within 100 yards of the school.

As part of the programme, DTCC also conducted a painting competition on May 28.