New Delhi/SHILLONG, May 26: Meghalaya, which is deemed the ‘cancer capital of India’, has been conferred with prestigious World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) Award-2023 by the World Health Organization in recognition of its efforts and accomplishments in the area of tobacco control.
The award will be presented to the State Tobacco Control Cell (STCC), Meghalaya.
Each year, the WHO recognises individuals and organisations from each of the six WHO regions for their significant contributions to the fight against the dangers of tobacco use.
This year, the awardees from under South-East Asia Region include State Tobacco Control Cell (STCC), Meghalaya, Centre for Multi-Disciplinary Development Research Dharwad, Karnataka, Indonesian Multiculture Farmers Forum, Indonesia, and National Statistical Office, Thailand.
The anti-tobacco campaign has reached remarkable milestones, including the active participation of approximately 7,975 schools across the state. A total of 4.9 lakh students have enthusiastically supported the campaign, demonstrating their unwavering dedication to the cause. With a reach of more than 3,500 villages, the campaign has successfully increased widespread awareness and participation.
In addition, a total of 7,388 rallies have been held, mobilising communities, and generating considerable momentum in the fight against tobacco. The impressive signature campaign conducted over the past several months is further evidence of the campaign’s success, representing the widespread support and commitment to a tobacco-free society.
While World No Tobacco Day is observed every year on May 31, Meghalaya has already launched campaigns, asking all schools to carry out two activities — a rally against tobacco and a signature campaign.
It is part of the ‘tobacco-free educational institutions programme’ that was launched in the state in 2021.
As per data, 34 per cent of 13-15 years old and 47 per cent of those aged 15 years and above consume tobacco in Meghalaya.
This year’s World No Tobacco Day theme in the state is ‘My Meghalaya – Tobacco-Free Meghalaya’.
The government has also announced that Rs 6.17 lakh in fines were collected during the 2022-23 financial year from smokers in the state.
It may be mentioned that the STCC, in collaboration with the departments of Education and Police, has implemented a comprehensive tobacco control programme, which has demonstrated remarkable success in creating awareness, inspiring action, and fostering community engagement in the fight against tobacco.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh and Principal Secretary of Health department Sampath Kumar also expressed their happiness at Meghalaya bagging the award.
“We are immensely proud of Meghalaya’s State Tobacco Control Cell for their exceptional efforts in tobacco control, which has now been recognized by the WHO Award. This accolade is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our dedicated team as well as the importance of sustained efforts in promoting public health and preventing the harmful effects of tobacco use. This recognition inspires us to continue our endeavours and create a brighter, healthier future for Meghalaya,” the chief minister said.
The health minister, on the other hand said, “Our state stands tall today, adorned with the prestigious award from WHO, a testament to our unwavering commitment to tobacco control. With collective efforts and unwavering determination, the Departments of Health, Education, Home (Police) and our community have triumphed over the tobacco epidemic.”
