Dimapur
Along with the rest of the world Dimapur observed World Anti-Tobacco Day under the theme “Tobacco a threat to development” at Salesian College, Dimapur on 31st May, 2017. Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur, Kesonyu Yhome, IAS and Chief Medical Officer, Dimapur, Dr. K. Vikato Kinimi graced the occasion as chief guest and guest of honour respectively.
Addressing the gathering DC reminded that the state of Nagaland ranks second in tobacco consumption in India which he termed as ‘tragic position’. Basing on a survey conducted, he said, on an average, every Naga spends Rs.69 per day on tobacco and its related products which is over 13crores a month. He apprised the gathering on how people talk about bad economy, bad roads and poor infrastructures, yet spend so much money on tobacco.
Yhome urged the students gathered to stay smart by refraining from tobacco and its products as a healthy body leads to a healthy mind.
DNO, NTCP, Dr. C. Tetso in his brief keynote address said that tobacco is not merely a threat to the individual but also the society. He explained the economic and environmental effects of tobacco and called on the gathering to make the fight against tobacco a responsibility of all.
Chief Medical Officer speaking at the programme thanked the faculties and students of different institutions for their support and cooperation and called for the same in the future.
The programme was chaired by Dr. Joe (PNF) who also proposed the vote of thanks. Principal, Salesian College, Fr. Polycarp delivered the welcome address. Other Highlights of the function programme included inter college prepared speech presentation, voice of tobacco victim by Dulal Poodar, awarding of certificates, special song by St. Paul Higher Secondary School, Dimapur and Salesian College.
The programme was attended by students and faculties of different schools and colleges.
Wokha
Yikhum village became the first village to be declared as Tobacco Free Village under Wokha district. The declaration was made by Chief Medical Officer, Wokha Dr. Enrithung Lotha during the observation of World No Tobacco Day held at Tiyi Hall, Wokha on 31st May, 2017.
Chairman Lotha Hoho, Mhao Humtsoe who graced the occasion as the chief guest, impressed upon the gathering to discourage the use of tobacco as consumption of tobacco acts as a threat not only to development but also life, family, community and society. Congratulating the village for the achievement he called upon the village community to continue to keep up good work.
Delivering the key note address Sr. Dental Surgeon & DNO NTCP, Dr. Merebini Odyuo said, tobacco endangers the lives of millions of people worldwide, threatening the future and development and also undermining our efforts to build a healthier, more prosperous and more peaceful world. Pointing that tobacco control measures will reinforce the importance of embedding economic activities within the principles of a society that values human dignity and serves the common good, she called for the elimination of tobacco threat by implementing tobacco measures, which she said will help all nations achieve the sustainable development goals.
Pastor, Yikhum Baptist Church, Zanbemo kithan who also spoke during the occasion informed that through the joint initiative of the church, village council student’s union and co-operation of the village community their dream of putting a total ban on sale of tobacco products within the village was made possible. He thanked the people of the village for the support extended towards achieving the same.
The programme was held under the theme “Tobacco a threat to development”. It was organized by District Tobacco Control Cell, National Tobacco Control Programme, Department of Health & Family Welfare, Wokha, Nagaland.
World No Tobacco Day was observed at Peren Town on 31st May 2017 at Town Hall, with Sarita Yadav IAS SDO (C) as the chief guest. Lamenting on the rampant use and the alarming effects of Tobacco in the state, the chief guest made a fervent appeal to spread the awareness amongst the citizens. She also called upon the gathering to join hands and make a pledge for a tobacco free zone in the district. Earlier she said that, eighty percent (80 %) of the Naga’s uses tobacco in different forms which involves even the educated people.
CMO Peren, Dr. Denis Hangsing in his exhortation stated that the use of Tobacco is a very old habit in Nagaland. He elaborated the economy effect, the Health effect and the environment effect of Tobacco uses. Due to the alarming effects of Tobacco uses in recent years, the Govt. of India has launched this awareness campaign more actively since 2016, he added.
In a key note address (DNO, NTCP) Peren, Dr.Sabino stated that 5.4 million people die every year all over the world due to the effect of Tobacco uses and its related diseases. 95 % of cancers are of oral cancers which are mainly the related Tobacco effects she said. India ranked First in the Tobacco related deaths, and second largest consumer of Tobacco and the third largest producer in the world. Nagaland ranked as the second highest Tobacco user in the country.
The program was chaired by Hoineichin, Social worker and the vote of thanks was pronounced by Alhing.
Along with the rest of the World Mokokchung District also observed the World No Tobacco day at Fazl Ali College, Auditorium on 31st May 2017 under the Theme “A Threat to Development”. The Principal , Staffs and the Students attended the Anti Tobacco awareness programme. The principal in her short speech welcomed the Medical team and encouraged the students to give their best in learning the awareness programme. Dr Moa Jamir District Nodal Officer for NTCP gave a power point presentation on the awareness and how tobacco threatens our health and the development of the society. He also highlighted that Nagaland is the 2nd highest tobacco consumers in the Country with 57% and also 2nd in the Country where Non-smokers are exposed to SHS in Government Offices. Dr Tiasenla and Dr Aotula from IMDH also attended the programme.
