Nagaland observes World No Tobacco Day

Students and staff of Bethel Higher Secondary School, along with officials from the DH&FW, State Tobacco Control Cell, and others, during the observation of World No Tobacco Day in Kohima on Saturday.

• DIMAPUR — Nagaland observed World No Tobacco Day across districts on Saturday, with a unified focus on the global theme, “Unmasking the appeal: Exposing industry tactics on tobacco and nicotine products”. The state-level observation was held in Kohima.
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• According to a DIPR report, the Department of Health and Family Welfare (DH&FW), through the State Tobacco Control Cell under the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), observed the state-level World No Tobacco Day at Bethel Higher Secondary School, Kohima.
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• This year’s observance featured the official launch of a seven-day digital campaign titled “Exposing Tobacco Harms,” aimed at raising public awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and the manipulative tactics of the tobacco industry.
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• The campaign will engage schools, health professionals, and communities across Nagaland to promote a tobacco-free environment and protect future generations. It will continue over the next seven days through official social media platforms, featuring informative videos, infographics, editorials, and radio talks to spread awareness and inspire collective action.
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• Anoop Khinchi, Commissioner and Secretary of DH&FW, the special guest who officially launched the campaign, emphasised the Government of Nagaland’s commitment to tobacco control through strong policy, cross-sector collaboration, and community engagement.
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• He called for united action against deceptive marketing strategies that target youth through attractive packaging, social media, and misleading advertising. He urged students not to use tobacco in any form.
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• He also highlighted the state’s ongoing efforts, such as district-wide tobacco-free educational institution (TOFEI) initiatives, tobacco-free villages, and tobacco vendor licensing. He noted that the state has notified teachers to act as enforcement officers to implement the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) Section 6(b).
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• All schools and medical establishments under the Department of Health and Family Welfare have been declared tobacco-free. The event concluded with a call for all stakeholders to support the tobacco-free movement.
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• The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Mereninla Senlem, Director and head of DH&FW and guest of honour. She highlighted the alarming tobacco usage rates in Nagaland—over 43% of adults and school-going children—which contribute significantly to oral cancer and other diseases.
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• In a parallel event, the District Tobacco Control Cell (DTCC) Kohima organised an awareness programme at Dr. Neilhouzhü Kire Government Higher Secondary School.
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• Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Reyosalu Lase Vizo, Joint Director (Dental) and state nodal officer, National Oral Health Programme (NOHP), DH&FW, stated that about 35% of children aged 13 to 15 in Nagaland use tobacco in some form—either smoked or smokeless. She reminded the audience that spitting is now punishable by fines of up to INR 5,000 under public health regulations.
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• Observing the day, members of the Anti-Tobacco Club of Ministers' Hill Baptist Higher Secondary School, Kohima, visited the DC Kohima, B Henok Buchem, at his office and submitted a memorandum urging strict control over the sale of tobacco and its products in and around the school premises.
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• In Shamator, an awareness programme on cigarettes and other tobacco products was held at DB Court. The programme was organised by the district administration and District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW), Department of Social Welfare, in collaboration with the DH&FW and police.
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• A walkathon was held in Phek town to observe the day, with the presence of the SP Phek, Dr. Pritpal Kaur, who flagged off the event at the local ground. Around 800 students from nine schools in Phek town participated, carrying anti-tobacco placards. The walkathon covered a distance of two kilometres, ending at the Clock Tower.
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• DTCC Phek, in coordination with the Phek District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), observed the day at Dr. Wethselo Memorial Hall, District Hospital Phek, with Rhosietho Nguori, DC Phek, as the guest speaker.
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• During the programme, certificates were awarded to 15 schools that have been declared TOFEI.
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• World No Tobacco Day was observed at Lempong Hostel, Longleng, with a special awareness programme organised to educate and sensitise students about the dangers of tobacco use and the manipulative tactics employed by the tobacco and nicotine industry.
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• In Mokokchung, an event organised by the NTCP was held at Government Middle School (GMS) Senkalemba, where students were sensitised to the harmful effects of tobacco and encouraged not to become victims of tobacco use.
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• The programme culminated in a free oral checkup for the students by Dr. Keneitheja, dental surgeon at Dr. Imkongliba Memorial District Hospital, Mokokchung, and distribution of free oral hygiene kits, including toothbrushes and toothpaste. A painting competition was also conducted on the theme.
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• NTCP Peren observed the day at Baptist Higher Secondary School, Jalukie B, with Apeuna Iheilung, president of the Zeliangrong Mipui Organisation, as special guest. Seventeen schools under the Peren district were certified and declared tobacco-free. Essay and painting competitions were held to mark the observance.
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• In Mon, the day was observed at Government Higher Secondary School, Mon town, organised by NTCP in collaboration with the Mon DLSA.
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• Kanchan Kumar Kandpal, SP Mon, spoke on the theme and assured his full cooperation to the NTCP team. An award was also given to Chen Wetnyu village, Mon district, for being the first village to be declared tobacco-free in the district and for their outstanding contribution to society.
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• Dr. Esther Chophy Ngullie, district nodal officer, NTCP, Mon, stated that so far 58 schools and two government colleges, Wangkhao Government College and New Model Government College, Wakching, have been declared tobacco-free educational institutions in Mon.
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• DTCC Wokha organised a programme to celebrate World No Tobacco Day at Government Higher Secondary School, Wokha.
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• Keynote speaker Dr. Thunchangbemo Ezung, CMO Wokha, said the public should be well aware of the misleading advertisements by the tobacco industry. Theme speaker Dr. Niya Kath, MD, dermatologist, District Hospital Wokha, said the tobacco industry is glamorising tobacco use with deceptive advertisements, and the younger generation is falling into these traps on various social media platforms.
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• The Community Health Centre (CHC), Pungro, observed the day with an awareness programme at Government Middle School, Pungro village. Dental surgeon Dr. Theja Vizo, CHC Pungro, was the resource person and emphasised the harmful effects of tobacco and nicotine products.