Last week, Nagaland joined the rest of the world in observing No Tobacco Day, marking the occasion by organising workshops and awareness programmes.
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Last week, Nagaland joined the rest of the world in observing No Tobacco Day, marking the occasion by organising workshops and awareness programmes across the state. This annual occasion, aimed at highlighting the health hazards associated with tobacco addiction, is yielding positive results. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), tobacco use has declined globally over the years, and so too in India. However, the challenge persists with millions dying annually from tobacco-related diseases. The situation is further complicated by millions of adolescents continuing to use both smoked and smokeless tobacco, while others are being introduced to the new peril of e-cigarettes or vapes. Nagaland has also seen a significant reduction in tobacco use, but it remains a major public health crisis. The consumption rate among adults is still alarmingly high at 43.3%, compared to the national average of 28.6%. While smoking rates have decreased, the use of smokeless tobacco products such as shikhar, gutkha, pan masala, and khaini remains high, despite the serious health risks they pose. This is a concerning issue that requires urgent attention. Health experts have linked the high prevalence of cancer in the Northeast to extensive tobacco use. The choice is clear: either to address the menace or face the associated health risks.
Currently, the state faces a tobacco paradox. While government departments and NGOs continue their awareness campaigns, counteracting forces are normalising chewable tobacco. Social media reels, for instance, often flaunt shikhar pan masala consumption, with some influencers and channels indirectly endorsing it through open use. Some even display shikhar-themed birthday cakes, presenting it as a trend to young viewers, which undermines global efforts to curb tobacco use. While these actions may not be malicious, they can negatively influence young people. This necessitates greater responsibility from public figures, celebrities, and influencers regarding their social media content. The Indian government has regulatory laws in place to reduce tobacco consumption. One such law is the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, which prohibits smoking in public places, advertising, and the sale of tobacco products to minors or within 100 yards of educational institutions. Additionally, the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA), 2019, bans the manufacturing, sale, trading, and advertisement of e-cigarettes. However, the high prevalence of tobacco use among schoolchildren and the availability of vapes in grey markets indicate a need for stricter enforcement of existing laws. Awareness campaigns about the harmful effects of tobacco use should be conducted at all levels, and support should be provided to help users overcome addiction. It is crucial that tobacco use is not normalised, and smokeless tobacco is not seen as a safe alternative to smoking.