“Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 2.0” launched in Nagaland

Dimapur, September 24: The National Tobacco Control Programme, Nagaland has announced the state level launch of the 60-day “Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 2.0,” a critical initiative of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, GOI aimed at creating awareness and promoting a tobacco-free lifestyle among the youth of Nagaland.

The campaign will run from September 24 to November 24. This campaign is also simultaneously being launched in the 11 NTCP districts by the District Tobacco Control cells.

The campaign was officially launched by Dr. E. Motsuthung Patton, Principal Director, Directorate of Health & Family Welfare, at Mount Olive college, Kohima today.

In his special guest address, he highlighted the state’s ongoing commitment to eradicating tobacco use among young people. He remarked “Our collective effort in this campaign is crucial for fostering a healthier, tobacco-free environment for our youth. We must leverage every tool at our disposal to safeguard our future generations.”

Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 2.0 is dedicated to reducing tobacco consumption among youth through comprehensive public education, regulatory enforcement, and community engagement, supported by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, GOI and stakeholders departments.

Nievepolu Tetseo, Assistant Professor in the Department of Education at Mount Olive College, Kohima, chaired the event, which began with an invocation by Rev. N. Suhuto Chishi, Youth Secretary, NBCC. The welcome address was delivered by Dr. Koseno, Principal of Mount Olive College.

Dr. Arenla Walling, Joint Director (Dental) and State Nodal Officer for the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the campaign’s strategies. Special presentation was performed by Female Voice, Mount Olive College, Kohima followed by an anti-tobacco pledge and vote of thanks by Dr. I Simon Sumi, District Nodal Officer (NTCP), Kohima.

The campaign will engage schools, colleges, and community organizations across Nagaland, conducting workshops, awareness drives, and interactive sessions with students and young adults. With tobacco use remaining a major health risk, especially among adolescents, this campaign seeks to inspire the youth to lead tobacco-free lives, fostering

This 60-day initiative aims to further combat tobacco use among the youth with a focus on four key strategies.

Public Awareness: Intensifying efforts to educate the community on the detrimental health effects of tobacco.

TOFEI Compliance: Ensuring adherence to the Tobacco Free Educational Institutions (TOFEI) norms to create healthier learning environments.

COTPA Enforcement: Strengthening the implementation of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003.

Tobacco Free Villages: Promoting and supporting the establishment of tobacco-free communities.

In addition to 4 strategies, this year, the campaign specifically emphasizes strategy 5- amplifying social media engagement to actively involve youth and shield children from tobacco industry tactics. By harnessing the power of digital platforms, the campaign seeks to amplify its message and encourage community participation.

Mon:

An initiative of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 2.0, was officially launched by Deputy Commissioner Mon, Ajit Kumar Verma, IAS on September 24 at Holy Cross School, Mon. The programme was organised by the District Tobacco Control Cell, Mon.

During the launching programme, DC Mon said the main aim of the campaign is to target the youth, as the youth are the most vulnerable. The Government of India and the Government of Nagaland have more concern for the young people, he said.

He said that tobacco, drugs and liquor consumption are defined as social evil and the chemicals containing narcotics are dangerous for human health. He challenged the students that humans have a limited time in life, your decision will lead you where you will be after 10-20 years.

Dr. Esther Chophy, District Nodal Officer, NTCP Mon highlighted on the objectives of the TFYC 2.0 while the welcome address was delivered by Sabu James, Headmaster, Holy Cross School, Mon. Pledge of Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 2.0 was led by Dr. Lihngam Konyak, Jr. Dental Surgeon, DH Mon.

Tuensang:

In Tuensang, the launching programme of Tobacco Free Youth Campaign-2.0 was observed with Deputy Commissioner, Tuensang Lithrongla Tongpi Rutsa NCS as special guest at St. John Higher Secondary School, Tuensang on September 24.

Deputy Commissioner urged the students to be ambassadors to spread awareness about the ill effects of tobacco usage. She congratulated the three schools who have received award of tobacco free school namely, GHSS, Tuensang, Trinity Academy and Christ King School.

Talk on campaign objectives was highlighted by Sr. Dental Surgeon, DNO NTCP Tuensang, Dr. O. Daisy Ovung.

District Consultant, NTCP Tuensang Sentilong Longchar chaired the programme and welcome address was delivered by Rev. Fr. Shaji Mathew of St. John higher secondary school Tuensang.

After the programme, the DC flagged off the F.R.E.E EnBLOC Motorcycle Club bike rally to create more awareness of tobacco.

(Page News Service)