44 homes in Zunheboto declared tobacco-free

A total of 44 homes in Zunheboto town have been declared tobacco-free — Nagaland is the first state to start effective campaigns undertaken by tobacco-free home ambassadors comprising students, initiated by the department of Health and Family Welfare, government of Nagaland

DIMAPUR — With effective campaigns undertaken by tobacco-free home ambassadors comprising students from Olympic Higher Secondary School, Immanuel Higher Secondary School, Cornerstone Higher Secondary School, St. Anthony School and Seven Home School, a total of 44 homes in Zunheboto town have been declared tobacco-free.

This was disclosed by Dr. Esther, dentist at Zunheboto District Hospital and NTCP nodal officer, during a meeting of the district-level coordination committee (DLCC) under National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) held in the conference hall of the deputy commissioner’s office in Zunheboto town on Wednesday. She informed that the tobacco-free home campaign was started to empower the students in creating awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco to their family members.

She added that Nagaland is the first state to start such a campaign. It was initiated by the department of Health and Family Welfare, government of Nagaland, stated a DIPR report.

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In his short speech, the DC of Zunheboto, Rahul Bhanudas Mali, stated that use of tobacco would give pleasure only for a short period of time but have cascading effects later in the forms of lungs cancer, throat cancer, mouth cancer etc. He encouraged the students to be committed in their vow on ‘no to tobacco.’

He also asked the Zunheboto Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ZCCI) to inform the shopkeepers not to sell any tobacco products within 100 yards of the school premises. He further asked the district education officer (DEO) to ensure installing at least one CCTV camera in all the schools both private and government.

Also speaking in the meeting, Zunheboto superintendent of police, Vishal, encouraged the students to act like a star and set example to their friends by not using tobacco products.  He also requested the students to advice the elders not to use tobacco as the people seldom listens to law enforcement agencies.