WEDNESDAY, JULY 02, 2025
Tobacco Use in Nagaland: A Growing Health Crisis
Published on May 26, 2025
By EMN
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- 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.
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- Dr. Arenla Walling,
- Additional Director (Dental) and State Nodal Officer,
- National Tobacco Control Programme, Nagaland.
Nagaland Districts
