KHLIEHRIAT, May 29: Meghalaya carried out a successful World No Tobacco Day campaign this year with more than 4.9 lakh students from more than 8,000 schools across the state participating in the activities prescribed to them as part of the campaign — signature campaign and rally against tobacco.
It may be mentioned that a grand observance of the World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) is in the offing on May 31.
The campaign, which was run by the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) Meghalaya and the Education department in collaboration with Gurugram-based NGO Sambandh Health Foundation, required every school to hold a rally against tobacco and signature campaign.
Research studies indicate that when children participate in anti-tobacco activities, they are more likely to avoid tobacco use.
With last year’s WNTD’22 campaign reaching every nook and corner of Meghalaya, this year too, the state decided to carry out interventions which ensure children’s participation. This year’s theme was ‘My Meghalaya, Tobacco-free Meghalaya’.
Videos were made highlighting how tobacco was taking a toll on the rivers, villages, forests, and tarnishing the beauty of Meghalaya.
Awards are given to the best schools in a block, which have carried out a rally and conducted signature campaigns, in four categories— primary, upper primary, secondary and higher secondary.
Block award committees were made including officials from the Education department, parents, village headmen etc.
The winners at the block level would be considered for district level awards by a District Award Committee and district winners would then compete for state-level awards.
At a function in Khliehriat, East Jaintia Hills, the Deputy Commissioner of East Jaintia Hills, Abhilash Baranwal, congratulated the district officials. “The WNTD’23 campaign is a great initiative to build a healthy generation. I am really happy that the Nodal Officer, BMCs, BRPs, CRCs, principals and teachers participated with full enthusiasm,” he added.
The Education department has been implementing the Tobacco Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) programme since 2021 in collaboration with Sambandh Health Foundation.
It may be mentioned that Meghalaya has also won the prestigious World Health Organization Award 2023 in the Southeast Asian region for WNTD activities.
The DSEO of East Jaintia Hills informed that 393 schools conducted rallies in the district and over 18,000 students collected 2.37 lakh signatures. Meanwhile, State Nodal Officer of National Health Mission, Dr Lana L Nongbri, highlighted the impact of tobacco on the environment and people. “This is a product that is consumed by 47% adults (aged 15+) in our state. It kills 8,000 people in Meghalaya every year. We are ensuring that we implement one of the most effective strategies, i.e., ToFEI to reduce the prevalence in the state.”
In East Jaintia Hills, the district winners were Narwan Lumlama LP School (primary category), Topcem Public School (Upper Primary category), Sohkymphor Secondary School (Secondary category) and Khliehriat Higher Secondary School (Higher Secondary category).
