Tobacco Danger: Nagaland chewing more than it can spit

Nagaland is chewing on a dangerous time bomb, one that will see health hazards spiked sharply before the number is contained. However, by the time the magnitude of tobacco use had been contained, deaths will have increased sharply too, reports our Staff Reporter Henlly Phom   Dimapur, May 30: Tobacco users will soon get to see new forms of delivery in tobacco packaging amid call from the World Health Organization (WHO) to countries to “get ready for plain packaging” for this year’s World No Tobacco Day (WNTD). On 31st May each year, the WHO and associates mark World No Tobacco Day with a crucial theme stressing on the health risks related to tobacco use. It campaigns for effective course of action to lessen tobacco consumption. This year is no different as the WHO gears up to fight the health risk with a distinctive theme “Get ready for plain packaging.” The District Nodal Officer of Dimapur’s National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP), Dr. C Tetseo talked to Eastern Mirror on the eve of WNTD. He acknowledged tobacco to be one of the biggest public health threats in India, especially in Northeast India. Dimapur district itself will stand among the highest substance-using regions in the state due to the easy availability of tobacco, he said. This year’s theme is a measure to restrict or prohibit the use of logos, colors, brand images or promotional information on packaging other than brand names and product names displayed in a standard size and color. The NTCP official said that Australia was the first country to introduce the strategy in 2012. It was successful with the number of smokers reduced by 25%, he said. “The illicit trade of tobacco products is a major global concern, including health, legal and economic. Unfortunately in Nagaland, tobacco related deaths have not been surveyed so far but I am sure many untimely deaths which are quite common in our society are attributed to tobacco use,” Dr Tetseo said. ‘We are yet to feel the full impact of tobacco epidemic as we are only in the second stage of tobacco epidemic. Maximum deaths will take place when we reach the fourth stage of tobacco epidemic which will take place in 30-40 years time from now,’ according to him. ‘By that time, the prevalence rate of tobacco use will come down below 20% but the number of deaths will (have) increased sharply. This is the dynamic of the tobacco epidemic.’ A survey that was undertaken in 2010 found out that there were 42,000 smokers in Dimapur district alone, he said. He lamented that the numbers may have increased by now. 21,000 people, Dr. Tetseo added, will die prematurely due to tobacco-related diseases. As per Global Audit Tobacco Survey (GATS) for 2009-2010, the tobacco prevalence rate (general population) for Nagaland was found to be 57% ‘which is not a good sign.’ says the expert. Drawing attention to the use of tobacco by young age groups, he added that substance abuse starts from school. Although 50 schools in Dimapur district have been declared tobacco-free institutions, a recent survey found out that 35% of school students were still using the substance, he said. Illicit tobacco products Though a proper survey has not been carried out, Dr. Tetseo, an expert in this area, says that the tobacco market is a big market due to the ease and magnitude of accessibility. Dimapur is also the transit point for other neighboring states. These products are more dangerous as they are not regulated, so as not to deprive the state of revenue. Strategies/ measure to address this issues Knowledge This is the most effective tool for prevention. Knowledge about the ill effect is the only tool against tobacco epidemic. Campaigns in educational institutions, churches and government offices are on-going. In the next phase places of worship such as mandirs and mosques and armed forces’ areas would be covered. Enforcement & monitoring This is another very important aspect but the lack of fund makes this effort very challenging. But with the launch of smoke free Dimapur initiative we are going to strengthen the enforcement. The activities will include checking of public places, shops, restaurants hotel and schools. Also with the latest notification of the ministry of health and family welfare in regards to the size of pictorial health warning and also the Amendment of juvenile justice (child care and protection)Act 2015 we have more weapon on our hand to fight tobacco industries. Tobacco-cessation service It is also ongoing but the response we get from the local people (Naga) is rather discouraging. Our society has normalized tobacco use and tobacco addiction is not taken seriously. Tobacco addicts need counseling and substitute like any other addiction. Surprisingly more than 90 % tobacco users want to quit but they cannot. The church can play a proactive role on this. Emphasizing on those issues of Tobacco epidemic, Dr. Tetseo on WNTD conveys that the district’s initiative will be towards ‘Smoke Free Dimapur Initiative’. Underlining this key project, he clear the air that Smoke Free Dimapur Initiative is not to ban people from smoking but to create awareness on smoking in public places and offices. Reiterating the Section 4 of the ‘Cigarettes and other Tobacco products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003’ which prohibits smoking in public places, Dr. Tetseo conveyed that any concern society can toll free to 1800110456 if any individual is found smoking in public places.