Tseminyu hosts state-level tobacco control workshop

DIMAPUR — An initiative of the National Tobacco Control Programme, Nagaland, a state-level orientation workshop on tobacco control for stakeholders was held on November 26 at the DC's conference hall, Tseminyu, with Deputy Commissioner Japheth Woch as the special guest.

In his address, the DC declared eight schools as tobacco-free schools in the district, namely GHS Chunlikha, Jireh School Chunlikha, BHSS Tseminyu, GHSS Tseminyu, AG School Tseminyu, GHS Tseminyu, GHS Sendinyu, and one more school, a DIPR report stated.

Woch also launched a smoke-free campaign in the district headquarters and declared the office tobacco-free in the district.

Deputy Director & State Nodal Officer at NTCP, Dr. I Simon Sumi, in his keynote address, said the National Tobacco Control Programme aims to strengthen COTPA 2003 and to promote tobacco-free schools, offices and public places to support people who want to quit tobacco and to build capacity of enforcement for staff, teachers, village councils and community groups.

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Highlighting the guidelines for tobacco-free educational institutions, Dr. Simon said district leadership is crucial as consistency in enforcement, documentation, and community mobilisation determines the success of NTPC on the ground.

He stressed the importance of tobacco-free educational institutions and tobacco-free offices in supporting tobacco-free village declarations.

He also emphasised continuing capacity building for enforcement and community groups to ensure strong convergence between health, police, education, municipal bodies, church, and civil society, so that collective efforts translate into lasting change.

DTCC consultant at NTCP, Dr. Linoka Awomi, addressed the legal provisions and policies preventing minors’ access to tobacco, including COTPA-2003, PECA 2019, and the Juvenile Justice (JJ) Act.

Joint Director and state programme officer, National Oral Health Programme, Dr. Reyosalu Lase chaired the programme and also delivered the welcome address. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks pronounced by EAC Tseminyu, Molosangla Ozukum.