Kohima: Nagaland officials launched the Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 4.0 on October 28. This statewide initiative runs for 60 days. It aims to protect the youth from tobacco addiction. The State Tobacco Control Cell organized the campaign under the National Tobacco Control Programme.
Dr. Imotemsu, Director of Family Welfare, kicked off the event at the Nagaland Institute of Allied and Healthcare in Kohima. He called for better coordination across all districts. Officials intend to ramp up tobacco control activities. They want to see results long after the campaign ends.
The state nodal officer, Dr. I. Simon Sumi, detailed six primary strategies. The plan focuses on public awareness, tobacco-free educational institutions, and smoke-free villages. Authorities will enforce the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act of 2003 and the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act of 2019. Each district must complete at least 30 information activities. Goals include a 50 percent increase in tobacco-free village coverage and 20 percent better enforcement. They also aim to enroll 30 percent of the state’s colleges and universities.
Campaign launches took place across various districts. In Mokokchung, Medical Superintendent Dr. Alemwabang Aier urged students to act as role models. "Encouraged students to become ambassadors of a tobacco-free lifestyle and discourage tobacco use in their communities."
Dimapur officials held their event at the Government Higher Secondary School in Burma Camp. Guest of honor Khekali Y. Sema, Deputy Commissioner of Police for Crime, warned against the dangers of addiction. In Mon, the campaign reached Sacred Heart School. Additional Deputy Commissioner Pakon Phom warned the crowd about the risks of cancer and respiratory illness. He stated, "Combating tobacco use was a collective responsibility that required the participation of every individual and not the government alone."
Participants across these events took formal pledges to stay tobacco-free. Officials now wait to see if these efforts lead to a lasting drop in tobacco use.
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