Nagaland marks World No Tobacco Day 2026 with awareness drives, tobacco-free declarations and youth-focused campaigns.
Share
DIMAPUR — World No Tobacco Day 2026 was observed across multiple districts in Nagaland on Sunday, with government agencies and organisations conducting various programmes to mark the occasion.
Kohima: The Department of Health and Family Welfare, through the State Tobacco Control Cell under the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) Nagaland, observed World No Tobacco Day 2026 with a sensitisation programme for youth ministry leaders at the Capital Convention Centre, Kohima, on Sunday.
Held on the theme “Unmasking the appeal – countering nicotine and tobacco addiction,” the programme focused on addressing tobacco and nicotine addiction among young people and strengthening community participation in tobacco control efforts, an update stated.
Speaking as the special guest, Health & Family Welfare Secretary S Tainiu said tobacco control initiatives in Nagaland are progressing beyond awareness campaigns to stronger administrative and enforcement measures.
Also read: Thung Ezung selected for WEF New Champions meeting in China
She informed that the government is working on tobacco vendor licensing rules in coordination with municipal bodies.
Tainiu also announced the constitution of a State Empowered Committee on WHO FCTC Article 5.3 to safeguard public health policies from tobacco industry interference.
She added that enforcement teams had intensified inspections, resulting in over 400 penalties for violations of the 100-yard tobacco-free zone around educational institutions during the last financial year.
Delivering the theme address, Dr. I Simon Sumi, State Nodal Officer, NTCP, highlighted the growing influence of nicotine and tobacco products among youth and the increasing availability of novel tobacco products.
Principal Director of Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Mereninla Senlem, expressed concern over rising tobacco use among both youth and adults in the state.
She also drew attention to the increasing incidence of oral cancer linked to smokeless tobacco products and urged church leaders and youth ministries to support tobacco prevention efforts within their communities.
In his introductory remarks, Mission Director of the National Health Mission, Dr. Keveduyi Theyo, stressed the important role of faith-based youth groups and community organisations in guiding young people towards healthier lifestyles.
The programme also featured a recovery testimony by Tokivi P Swu, followed by an anti-tobacco pledge and a discussion on strengthening community-based tobacco control initiatives across Nagaland.
Zunheboto: To mark the day, an awareness programme was held at Old Town Prayer Fellowship, Zunheboto, where Easter H Yepthomi, retainer lawyer of the Zunheboto District Legal Services Authority (ZDLSA), delivered a talk on the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, highlighting key legal provisions aimed at protecting public health.
According to a DIPR report, Yepthomi stated that smoking in public places is prohibited under Section 4 of the Act, with violations attracting a fine of INR 200, while designated smoking areas are permitted only in hotels with a seating capacity of at least 30.
The programme also featured contributions from NTCP psychologist Alibo K Swu and other participants.
Wokha: World No Tobacco Day was observed at Tiyichan Lotha Baptist Church, Wokha. Highlighting on the marketing strategies applied by tobacco companies, theme speaker Dr. Bipenthung N Jami, junior specialist at District Hospital Wokha, said that most of these tobacco products are made appealing to young adult consumers by allowing celebrities to endorse it.
As part of the government’s initiative to prevent tobacco usage among students, Bethsaida School Wokha, was declared as ‘Tobacco-Free Educational Institution’ in the district.
During the programme, Christian Education Ministry also shared a special video presentation and Erenbeni P Lotha, Wokha District Legal Services Authority (WDLSA), briefed the participants on the COPTA 2003.
Tuensang: The NTCP Tuensang, observed World No Tobacco Day at Old Church, Tuensang Village, on Sunday. The programme was attended by Sr. SDEO Tuensang, Tiarenla Sangtam, as the chief guest and Rev. T. Mongba as the special guest.
Senior Dental Surgeon and District Nodal Officer (NTCP), District Hospital Tuensang, Dr. O Daisy Ovung, delivered the theme address.
Speaking on the occasion, she highlighted the tactics used by tobacco companies to attract young people and discussed the harmful effects and health risks associated with tobacco use, including vaping and e-cigarettes.
Dr. Ovung also highlighted the current tobacco-use scenario in Nagaland, stating that 43.3 per cent of adults aged above 15 years use tobacco, which is higher than the national average.
On the occasion, Keshai Village was declared a tobacco-free village, while ten schools in Tuensang district were recognised as tobacco-free schools.
Mon: The day was observed at New Site Fellowship Church, Mon to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco and nicotine use.
Speaking as the theme speaker, Dr. S. Ngampa Sangme, MD (PMR), District Hospital Mon, highlighted the need to expose the misleading appeal of tobacco and nicotine products, particularly among young people.
He said tobacco products are often marketed through attractive packaging, flavours, advertisements and peer influence, creating a false impression that they are harmless or fashionable.
The programme featured a quiz competition, an anti-tobacco pledge and certificate presentation.
During the event, four schools from Longwa village were declared tobacco-free schools.
Peren: Peren District Legal Services Authority (PDLSA), in collaboration with NTCP Peren, observed World No Tobacco Day on May 30 at the College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (COVSc & AH), Jalukie.
According to an update, Dean of COVSc & AH, CAU Imphal, Jalukie, Dr. I Shakuntala, delivered the special address at the programme.
Panel lawyer of PDLSA, Phenruangwibo Newmai, gave a brief introduction to the Legal Services Authorities Act, while retainer lawyer Italang Ramlia highlighted key provisions of the COTPA 2003.
Programme coordinator of NTCP Peren, Hoineichin, highlighted the theme of this year's observance.
A similar awareness programme was also conducted on Sunday at Jalukie Town Local Baptist Church in collaboration with the Sunday school team.