Tobacco use is a major public health
threat worldwide and in India, causing about 1.35 million deaths annually and
many chronic diseases. In Nagaland, as per Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS)
India 2016-17, 43.3% of adults use tobacco—much higher than the national
average of 28.6%—ranking the state eighth in the country.
Imagine what this means for our
children and youth—if nearly half the adult population consumes tobacco, it is
likely that every second household has a tobacco user, and many children are
either exposed to or experimenting with tobacco themselves.
The 2019 Global Youth Tobacco Survey
shows that 43% of Nagaland’s school children aged 13–15 use tobacco—62% of boys
and 24% of girls—making it the state with the second-highest youth tobacco use
in India.
As per the World Health Organisation,
tobacco is one of the leading risk factors for a range of life-threatening
diseases. In India, tobacco is linked to 50% of cancers in males and 20% in
females, and it contributes to 40% of tuberculosis cases and 33.3% of all
cancers.
For Nagaland, this means that our high
prevalence of tobacco use today will translate into a high disease burden
tomorrow. In the past year, district dental OPDs reported 325 precancerous cases
and 22 confirmed oral cancer cases, many linked to smokeless tobacco products
like gutka, paan with zarda, khaini and other forms.
A major concern for chewing form of
tobacco users is Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF), a chronic, progressive
pre-cancerous condition causing mouth stiffness, difficulty eating, and reduced
mouth opening. The increasing OSMF cases among youth and young adults highlight
the urgent need for early intervention in tobacco control.
Despite Tobacco control laws in place,
enforcement gaps and the continued social acceptability of tobacco use severely
undermine tobacco control efforts—particularly in high burden states like
Nagaland.
While The National Tobacco Control
Programme (NTCP), under the National Health Mission, is already working to
strengthen laws, raise awareness, and build support system awareness drives,
school-based interventions, training for enforcement agencies, and cessation
support, real change must begin at home. No law can replace the powerful
influence of a parent, teacher, or elder who sets the right example.
Children and adolescents are especially
vulnerable to nicotine addiction due to their developing brains and peer
influence.
As World No Tobacco Day (May 31)
approaches, we must reflect on places like Nagaland, where tobacco use is
deeply rooted. Children copy what they see—if tobacco use is common at home or
in the community, they’re more likely to start using it, often unaware of the
dangers.
We urge families to create tobacco-free
homes, talk openly with children, and support those trying to quit. Schools,
faith leaders, and community groups also play key roles in addressing this
epidemic to secure our communities from the growing health crisis from tobacco
use.
While laws and policies matter and the
National Tobacco Control Programme continues its work, our greatest chance lies
in shaping daily environments. We must lead by example, have honest
conversations, and practice tobacco-free homes to protect children and youth.
Tobacco control is everyone’s
responsibility. Together, let’s build a healthier, tobacco-free
Nagaland—starting at home.
Dr. Arenla Walling,
Additional Director (Dental) and State Nodal Officer,
