Shillong, Meghalaya – In a determined move to combat the pervasive health crisis caused by tobacco consumption, Meghalaya has officially launched its campaign for World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) 2025. The initiative places a strong emphasis on exposing the manipulative strategies employed by the tobacco and nicotine industry, particularly those targeting vulnerable young individuals.
Under the global theme, ‘Tobacco! Business of Death’, which aligns with the national focus of ‘Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products’, the campaign is galvanising schools and colleges across the state. A call to action has been issued for these institutions to conduct impactful rallies, widespread signature drives, and comprehensive awareness programs throughout April and May. These efforts will culminate on World No Tobacco Day, observed internationally on May 31st. The collaborative effort is spearheaded by the Department of Health, the Department of Education, and the Sambandh Health Foundation.
Meghalaya grapples with a significant public health burden, as nearly half of its adult population aged 15 and above are tobacco users. This alarming statistic translates to approximately 8,000 preventable deaths annually due to tobacco-related illnesses. Recognizing the pivotal role of education in fostering change, the campaign strategically aims to empower educational institutions as key drivers in this crucial public health endeavor.
Dr Nabaneeta D. Mawrie, the State Nodal Officer for the National Tobacco Control Programme, highlighted that the 2025 campaign builds upon the foundation laid by the successful Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) program. This program has been actively engaging schools since 2021 and extended its reach to colleges in 2023. “We are strongly encouraging institutions to actively participate through two focused activities—rallies and signature campaigns—to ensure the meaningful involvement of students, educators, and the wider local communities,” Dr Mawrie stated at the campaign’s official launch.
The impact of previous campaigns underscores the potential for widespread engagement. In 2024, an impressive number of over 7,000 schools across Meghalaya actively participated in WNTD activities, resulting in the collection of more than 4.3 million signatures and the engagement of over 500,000 students. The Department of Education is actively advocating for even greater participation from educational institutions in the current year’s campaign.
Reinforcing the commitment at the administrative level, district authorities are also lending their full support to this vital movement. The Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills emphasized the critical importance of broad community participation in fostering enduring behavioural changes and cultivating a healthier future for all residents.
Educational institutions are invited to register their planned events in the lead-up to May 31st. The organizing departments are committed to providing comprehensive campaign resources and ongoing support to ensure the success of these grassroots initiatives.
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