Senapati, October 24: Tobacco free youth campaign 3.0 was launched for Senapati district, organised by the National Tobacco Control Programme (NHM), Senapati, at the CMO Conference Hall on Friday. The programme was graced by Ningreingam Leisan, MCS ADM Senapati, as the chief guest, and Dr. Sumpi Percy, Director/CMO DHS, Senapati, as the guest of honour.
Addressing the gathering, Ningreingam Leisan stressed that the campaign’s success depends on focusing on the education sector, youth engagement, and law enforcement. He added that the campaign would be effective if communities work collaboratively with NGOs, educational institutions, and churches while implementing strong policies. The ADM urged participants to protect young people from tobacco use, which poses serious health risks.
Dr. Sumpi Percy highlighted that the campaign is being launched to raise awareness about the ill effects of tobacco consumption. She observed that despite mandatory warnings, tobacco use continues. Dr. Percy noted that Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 3.0 was launched in India on October 9, 2025, by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry of Education, aiming to create a tobacco-free environment for young people. She said the 60-day campaign will focus on public awareness, enforcing laws such as COTPA 2003 and PECA 2019, strengthening tobacco-free educational institutions, and expanding community-based initiatives.
Dr. Percy informed that the district hospital has a tobacco cessation centre for individuals who wish to quit tobacco. She shared that tobacco claims 13 lakh lives annually in India and expressed concern over its use among students. She urged participants to spread the message that tobacco kills and encourage youth to abstain from it.
In his keynote address, Dr. James Pao, DNO, DTCC Senapati, described the campaign as a continuation of World No Tobacco Day. He stated that 13.5 lakh people die every year in India due to tobacco use. Dr. Pao explained that tobacco consumption leads to cancer, coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive lung disease, decreased fertility, and weakened immunity, adding that tobacco-related cancers constitute 33.3% of all cancers in India. He highlighted that cigarette smoke contains over 7,000 chemical compounds, 200 known poisons, and 69 carcinogenic agents. Dr. Pao expressed concern over early-stage tobacco use among students and urged participants to work together to establish tobacco-free schools in villages. He also reminded teachers to support students with care and guidance.
Dr. Percy presented a slideshow prepared by Dr. B.K. Gracy, Psychiatrist and District TCC In-Charge, who could not attend. The presentation detailed how nicotine addiction affects the brain, body, and future, and strategies to overcome it. It also highlighted the status of the Tobacco Cessation Centre at District Hospital Senapati, reporting that from April 2024 to July 2025, 306 clients (136 male and 170 female) were assisted, with 14 receiving Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT).
Through the slideshow, Dr. James Pao elaborated on the Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign, covering its process, phases, achievements, whole-of-government approach, strategies for Campaign 3.0, suggested releases during the national launch, public awareness activities, and the strategy for tobacco-free villages at state and district levels.
The programme was led by R.K. Elizabeth, DPM (NHM) Senapati, who also proposed the vote of thanks. The event was attended by ZEO staff, medical personnel, teachers, and other participants.
(By Our Staff Reporter)
