Dimapur, May 31 (EMN): Along with the rest of the country, Nagaland observed the ‘World No Tobacco Day’ in all the district headquarters, sub-divisions as well as in schools and colleges on May 31 by organising various activities on the theme ‘Tobacco and lung health.’
Kohima: In Kohima, District Tobacco Control Cell (DTCC) under department of Health and Family Welfare observed the ‘World No Tobacco Day at DBT hall, NHAK, Kohima.
Mission Director (NHM) of Health and Family Welfare and special guest, Dr. Kevichüsa Medikhru has termed as an important day for Nagaland as it ranked as one of the highest tobacco user states in the country. He congratulated the NTCP team for the achievements made so far in creating awareness on the harmful effects of tobacco in the state.
Dr. Kevichüsa also stated that in 2002-03, there was a high risk of pre-cancer from the students group who were in a habit of taking gutka (talab). Alarmed by high rate of tobacco consumption among the students, he stated that the department has issued ‘No sale of tobacco products within the 1000 metre peripheral of schools campus.
He further appealed to make a tobacco free towns, districts and State in future.
Speaking on the theme, District Tuberculosis Officer, Dr. Asünü Thong highlighted on the worldwide statistics of death caused by tobacco where 7-8 million die from tobacco annually. India being the second largest producer and consumer of tobacco, 10 lakh smokers die annually.
Highlighting on harm caused to the lungs by smoking, Dr. Asünü said smoking will damage lung’s ability to clean and repair themselves, which means cancer causing chemicals will be trapped in the tissues of the lungs. Other side effects of smoking can lead to health problems such as heart disease, stroke, emphysema, COPD, many types of cancer including lung, throat, stomach, bladder cancer and increased risk of osteoporosis, pneumonia and can also cause fertility problems.
Assistant Professor of Mt. Olive Collage Kohima, Lotoli Kiba, shared on success story as tobacco free college, while Hatdeivah Haokip from Little Flower Higher Secondary School gave a short message on ‘Voice of children.
Wokha: Wokha observed the ‘World No Tobacco Day’ at DBHSS youth centre, organised by the District Tobacco Control Cell under National Tobacco Control Programme, Wokha, with ADC Wokha, Andrew C Imti, and SDPO Wokha, Imkongsangba, as the special guest and guest of honour respectively.
Speaking at the function, the ADC has stressed on the importance of awareness among school children about the harmful effects of tobacco products as it not only affects the health but also on the country’s economy. He appealed to the students to spread awareness among fellow friends and family about the harmful effect of tobacco.
SDPO Wokha spoke on the legal aspect pertaining to specific law about COTPA Act 2003 banning smoking in public places and laws governing the keeping and selling of tobacco products by shopkeepers near educational institutions. He also opined that awareness programmes would create impact to curb the menace of tobacco.
Dr. Benchilo Ngullie, DTO, Wokha, has highlighted on the negative aspects of tobacco use which could cause many health problems and even to the extent of death in many cases.
Students of Parennial Montessori School presented a song, while Saron youth enacted a short play on harmful effect of tobacco.
Zunheboto: District Health Society, Zunheboto, in collaboration with Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP) observed “World No Tobacco Day” at Step by Step School, Zunheboto, on May 31.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. K Akaho Sema, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Zunheboto, stated that tobacco contributes to most of the leading causes of death in the world. He highlighted about the various health effects of using tobacco.
He stated that tobacco use commonly leads to diseases affecting the heart, liver and lungs. He encouraged the participants to do away with the use of tobacco. He also motivated the participants to be the living example by not indulging in tobacco products.
Uniel Kichu, guest of honour and Superintendent of Police, Zunheboto, has urged to avoid combustible tobacco products. He stated that the only way for an individual to completely eliminate tobacco-related harms is not to use them.
He also motivated the students to inculcate healthy habits saying, “We cannot change our past but we can change our present.” He further encouraged the participants not to take tobacco and be champion of tobacco free life.
To mark the occasion, quiz and painting competitions were organised. Students also pledged to avoid tobacco products.
Cornerstone Higher Secondary School, Zunheboto, was declared the first “Tobacco free zone” school in Zunheboto. Altogether, 265 students from three schools took part in the programme.
Tuensang: Tuensang district observed the ‘World No Tobacco Day’ at the School of Nursing with the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Tuensang, M Chaitanya Prasad, as the chief guest.
Addressing the gathering, the chief guest called upon to increase awareness in the society and within the family to educate children on the harmful effect of tobacco consumption.
Theme speaker, Dr. Kiholi, DTO Tuensang, presented a power point on risks associated with tobacco use and how tobacco endangers the health of people. A short video clip on the effects of smoking on lung health was also shown to the participants.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr. T Pangjung Sangtam, also urged upon the gathering to spread the message and educate about the harmful effects of tobacco use to their families, friends and community.
Students of School of Nursing presented song and play based on the theme.
Mokokchung: Mokokchung observed the “World No Tobacco Day” at Mayangnokcha Government Higher Secondary School with the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Manpai Phom, as the guest of honour.
Speaking on the occasion, the guest of honour stated that the day is observed to draw attention on the widespread prevalence of tobacco uses and the negative health effects, which claim more than 7 million deaths each year worldwide including 890,000 non-smokers being exposed to second- hand smoke.
He highlighted about the various health effects of using tobacco and encouraged the students not to use tobacco in any form.
The theme speaker, Dr. Sunep, SMO, TB and Chest Disease Hospital, Mokokchung, highlighted about the negative impact tobacco has on people’s lung health. He has discouraged use of tobacco since it is not merely a threat to an individual but also to the society.
Student nurses of Imkongliba Memorial District Hospital, Mokokchung, presented a song and play.
NCC: 1 Naga Girls Bn NCC and 24 Boys Coy NCC under the aegis of NCC Gp HQ, Kohima, carried out an anti-tobacco campaign all over Nagaland on ‘World No Tobacco Day’ on May 31.
An update from the headquarters stated that more than 2,000 NCC cadets from various schools and colleges organised lectures, awareness programmes in their institutions, neighbourhood localities and public places. It added that the cadets spearheaded the campaign to spread awareness on ill effects and dangers of tobacco consumption and motivating others not to consume the toxic substance in any form.
In Kohima, cadets of St. Joseph’s College, Kohima College, and G Rio School, in particular, carried out the awareness campaign. In Dimapur, mostly junior cadets of Carmel Higher Secondary School, Christian Higher Secondary School, Bethesda Higher Secondary School and Greenwood Higher Secondary School displayed banners on their school vehicles and spread awareness in populated areas, while NCC cadets of Hollotoli School organised a painting competition.
In Peren, cadets of BHSS, GHSS and Government College carried out a combined rally in the town.
It added that Girl cadets in remote areas participated with equal enthusiasm. It stated that Kongjong Higher Secondary School in Mon, Zisaji Presidency College in Kiphre, Fazl Ali College in Mokokchung, Phom Lompong School in Longleng made commendable efforts in making the anti-tobacco posters.
DH Dimapur: Health education to patients and patient attendants by the students of School of Nursing marked the ‘World No Tobacco Day’ celebration in District Hospital Dimapur (DHD). The students educated the gathering using charts as well as presented role play and demonstration.
Dr. Wapang Imchen gave a brief introduction of the day.
JN Aier College: Painting competition marked the ‘World No Tobacco Day’ in JN Aier College on May 31 organised by the IQAC and NSS unit of JN Aier College.
Imtiangba of 5th semester (Shakespeare) bagged the 1st position, while Kusum of 5th semester (Quintus Horatius) bagged the 2nd position and Takumpa (August Comte) and Yongshenti Jamir (Shakespeare) of 3rd semesters jointly bagged the 3rd position.
Luto Swuro, Assistant Professor of Political Science Department, gave a talk on the theme “Tobacco and lung health,” where he stressed on the usage of tobacco and its ill effects.
SMHSS: St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School observed the ‘World No Tobacco Day’ on the theme “Tobacco breaks heart” on May 31. To mark the occasion, drawing and essay writing competitions were organised, where the winners were awarded with certificates by the school’s principal and vice principal.
An awareness programme was held on the hazards of tobacco use followed by an oath taking and signature campaign against tobacco usage.
Immanuel College: Commemorating the ‘World No Tobacco Day,’ Immanuel College organised a short programme for the students at the college’s auditorium on May 31. The resource person of the programme was Ankit Jain from Leo Club of Dimapur. The objective of the programme was to raise awareness on the harmful effects and dangers of tobacco use and to discourage the use of tobacco in any form.
C-Edge College: C-Edge College observed the ‘World No Tobacco Day’ by organising painting and sketching competition based on the theme. Iloke A Yeptho of BA III semester, Chubatangit of BA V semester and Y ManthakKonyak of BA III semester were declared winners.
In the second part of the event, Dimapur District Tobacco Control Officer, Dr. Tetseo presented a talk on ‘Tobacco and lung health.’ He stressed on the danger of smoking, second-hand smoke and third-hand smoke to the lung and how it could lead to lung cancer, asthma, emphysema, pneumonia and TB.
He also spoke on the ill effects of smoking and the danger of smoking at homes, work places and public areas. He urged everyone to continue to keep up with the fight against tobacco and overcome addiction to tobacco.
Pfutsero College: Pfutsero Government College observed the “World No Tobacco Day” with Dr. Vinotsole Khamo, Principal Investigator Population Based Cancer Registry, Kohima, as the resource person.
The resource persons spoke on the harmful effects and health risk associated with the use and consumption of tobacco.
The college’s vice principal, TL Singsit, delivered the welcome address and also tendered the vote of thanks. The programme was organised by Population Base Cancer Registry and ANCSU.
Savio School: Commemorating the ‘World No Tobacco Day,’ students of Saint Savio High School, Chumoukedima, took a pledge against tobacco and undertook a procession in Seiuruzha colony.
The school also conducted a collage making competition in the school compound. More than 500 students and teachers participated in the event.
SJHSS Chumoukedima: St. Joseph Higher Secondary School, Chumoukedima, observed the ‘World No Tobacco Day’ by organising various competitions such slogan, essay writing, and extempore speech on the “Effects of tobacco consumption to health and well being.” The school was declared a ‘Tobacco-free campus’ in 2016.
Speaking on the occasion, the school’s principal Rev. Fr. Sajan Joseph declared that any students caught using tobacco items in the school would not be excused and expelled directly from the institution saying, “There is no place for those students who tried to live beyond rules and regulations.”
“Tobacco consumption is not only about causing different diseases and led to ultimate death but it is one of the biggest threats to the emerging younger generation of our society and I cannot let that happen in front of my own eyes,” he said.
He then urged the students to be an ambassador of anti-tobacco and spread the awareness about the menace of tobacco consumption and say no to tobacco at home, in the society and the world.
