Hailakandi – In a pivotal step to address the escalating tobacco crisis, District Commissioner Nisarg Hivare officially inaugurated the “Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 2.0.”
The launch event brought together key officials, including the Additional District Commissioner (Health), District Nodal Officer (DNO), District Tobacco Control Coordinator (DTCC), District Program Manager (DPM), District Monitoring and Evaluation Officer (DME), representatives from the National Health Mission (NHM), and various NGOs.
The campaign aims to educate and empower the youth about the severe health and environmental consequences of tobacco use. Tobacco consumption is a leading cause of death globally, accounting for over 8 million fatalities each year.
The environmental impact is equally dire, with tobacco cultivation leading to the destruction of approximately 494,000 acres of forest annually, exacerbating deforestation issues.
Additionally, the waste produced by tobacco, including cigarette butts, contains more than 7,000 harmful chemicals and contributes to 30% to 40% of debris found during urban and coastal clean-ups.
India stands as the second-largest producer and consumer of tobacco in the world, facing a mounting public health crisis. The prevalence of tobacco-related diseases—such as cardiovascular disorders, various cancers, chronic lung diseases, infertility, and strokes—highlights the urgent need for intervention.
Alarmingly, in Assam, 51.9% of adults and 11.9% of children are reported to use tobacco in different forms, further underscoring the necessity for targeted strategies to mitigate this epidemic.
The “Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 2.0” is driven by the Department of Health and Family Welfare under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. The campaign seeks to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of tobacco use, particularly among young people, through collaborative efforts with state and union territory authorities.
The campaign aims to execute at least 30 Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) initiatives, designate a minimum of 160 educational institutions as Tobacco Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI), implement at least 16 enforcement drives, and declare at least 20 villages tobacco-free in each district.
To further engage the community, the campaign will utilize social media platforms, encouraging participation with hashtags such as #SaveTheYouthCampaign and #AbSeBandCampaign.
For individuals seeking assistance to quit tobacco, the National Tobacco Quitline services can be reached at 1800-112-356, offering support and guidance to combat tobacco addiction and promote a healthier lifestyle.
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