Photo Courtesy: nenow
Aizawl: Mizoram holds the nation's highest rate of tobacco use among students aged 13 to 15. A government report confirmed 58 percent of these school-aged children consume tobacco products. Health Minister Lalrinpuii shared these numbers on Friday in Aizawl during the 13th State Anti-Tobacco Day. The findings come from the Global Youth Tobacco Survey-4.
Tobacco habits among adults remain a massive concern. The 2016-17 Global Adult Tobacco Survey found 58.7 percent of residents aged 15 and older use tobacco, ranking the state second highest in India. Officials worry about this usage because the state already deals with a high cancer burden. Lalrinpuii demanded new, tougher tactics to fight the habit. "Lalrinpuii said the high prevalence was particularly worrying given Mizoram’s high cancer burden."
The government might soon use tobacco cess revenue to fund fresh initiatives. New survey rounds for both adults and youths are currently in the works. Mizoram has marked State Anti-Tobacco Day every September 11 since 2013, holding the title of the first Indian state to create a dedicated awareness day.
Two schools won awards for their work in the ToFEI School Challenge, which promotes a tobacco-free generation by 2025. PM Shri Government Kawrthah Primary School-1 took the top spot in the Foundation Category. Government Leitlangpui Higher Secondary School earned a consolation prize. The National Tobacco Control Programme and the Indian Society on Tobacco and Health organized the event. District Tobacco Control Cells held similar programs across the state.
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