World No Tobacco Day: Nagaland raises awareness on dangers of tobacco consumption

EM Bureau
Kohima/Dimapur, May 31 (EMN): World No Tobacco Day, held annually on May 31, was observed across Nagaland by organising various competitions and programmes on the theme “Commit to Quit”.

Kohima: Director of Family Welfare, Dr. Thorsie Katiry, in an event held at the conference hall of the directorate of Health and Family Welfare (DoHFW) on Monday, encouraged the officers to set an example during the pandemic, by staying away from tobacco products, stated an update.

 Dr. C Tetseo, State Nodal Officer (NTCP), in his presentation spoke about the dangers of smokeless tobacco, which is often ignored. He specifically mentioned magnesium carbonate, which is used as anti-caking agents in ‘gutka’ and ‘pan masala’, as people are consuming this chemical in excess of the daily limit. He stated that it could be dangerous for those whose renal function is compromised. It may be noted that many popular pan masala brands were banned in other states because of the presence of this compound.

Meanwhile, the director of Health, Dr. Vikato Kinimi, released the booklet on “A pilot study on cost expenditure of tobacco consumption in Nagaland’’ undertaken by the State Tobacco Control Cell. The meeting ended with a challenge to all, to stay away from tobacco products. The meeting was chaired by Linoka Awomi, Consultant.

Meanwhile, the Kohima District Tobacco Control Cell also organised a virtual poster making event based on the theme ‘Commit to Quit’ for the students of tobacco free educational institutions.

Altogether, 57 students from 22 tobacco free educational institutions participated in the competition.

Dr. Arenla Walling, District Nodal Officer, District Tobacco Control Cell Kohima informed that IEC activities were also carried out in Kohima to mark the day.

Shamator: Assam Rifles in collaboration with Youth for Society (YFS), Shamator, organised an awareness campaign against use of tobacco on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day at Shamator in Tuensang district. An update stated that the day is observed to make tobacco users aware of the opportunity to lead a healthier life. “The aim of this day is to spread awareness among the youths about the dangers of using tobacco and how health problems can be tackled when one quits tobacco,” it added.

Zunheboto: National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), Zunheboto organised a virtual poem and slogan competition in commemoration of World No Tobacco Day on Monday. Due to the pandemic and following government SOP, the competitions were held virtually, an update stated. Winners in the poem competition were Sukhusho K Rotokha, Little Spring School; Akuvu Easter, Olympic Hr. Sec. School; and Tokavi K Zhimo, Immanuel Hr Sec School in the first, second and third positions respectively. Mughakini Joy, Olympic Hr. Sec. School won the first prize in the slogan competition, followed by Elliot Awomi, Cornerstone Hr. Sec. School and Kaino Z Zhimo of Seven Home School won the second and third prizes respectively.

All six tobacco-free schools under Zunheboto participated in the competition and winners were given certificates and cash prizes, it said.

NTCP team Zunheboto also celebrated the occasion by giving gift hampers to Covid patients in the Covid hospital and to Covid duty staff.

Mokokchung: District Tobacco Control Cell Mokokchung observed World No Tobacco Day at Dr. Imkokngliba Memorial District Hospital on Monday. A short briefing was given to the hospital staff by Dr. Taliwati District Nodal officer, National Tobacco Control Programme (NCPT), Mokokchung, an update informed. He emphasised on the use of tobacco and it’s harmful effects, especially during the pandemic and how spitting can be a major contributor in spreading Covid-19.

An essay competition was held online for school students on this year’s theme. The first prize was won by Akumienla, class 12 of Queen Mary Higher Secondary School. Moluren Longkhum from class 9 of Assam Rifles High School was placed in second and the third position went to Sunepbenla T Imchen, class 10 of Edith Higher Secondary School.

Wokha: World No Tobacco Day was observed at Dr. Motsuo Memorial District Hospital Wokha on the theme ‘Commit to Quit’ on Monday. Due to the pandemic, the programme was scaled down to a small gathering where Dr. Daisy Ovung, District Nodal Officer, National Tobacco Control Programme Wokha addressed the health workers on the ill effects of tobacco consumption and distributed pamphlets on self guide to quit tobacco and hand sanitisers,an update read. Dr. Daisy informed that an online painting contest based on the theme was also conducted in which more than 200 students participated from across the district.  Yikhum, a tobacco-free village, also took part in the celebration of World No Tobacco Day by conducting a cleanliness drive in the village.