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SHILLONG/NONGPOH/TURA, May 31: Activities galore in the districts of East Khasi Hills, Ri-Bhoi and South West Garo Hills marked the global observance of World No-Tobacco Day on Friday, advocating not only the need to keep tobacco at arm’s length and but also raise awareness against the same.
In East Khasi Hills, the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) organised a health and cancer-screening camp at the Tynring Health subcentre.
Organised with the support of the Northeast India Association of Surgical Oncology (NASO), the camp offered free consultations for common ailments and, crucially, cancer screening for individuals at high risk of oral, breast, and cervical cancers. “The camp provided vital health services and education to approximately 50 patients,” a statement in this regard said.
NEIGRIHMS Director Prof. Nalin Mehta, while speaking on the occasion, expressed his enthusiasm towards the initiative. “We are committed to promoting public health and early cancer detection in our community. This successful camp is a testament to the dedication of our faculty and students. I am proud of their efforts, and I assure them of our continued support for such crucial outreach programs in the future,” he said.
Additional Professor of Surgical Oncology at NEIGRIHMS, Dr. Caleb Harris, on the other hand, emphasised the importance of reducing consumption of tobacco, smokeless tobacco (kwai) and alcohol as a key preventive measure against several cancers.
Similarly, Principal, College of Nursing, NEIGRIHMS, Nochovono Tase, led her students in providing valuable health and cancer awareness training among all participants.
NEIGRIHMS Medical Superintendent, Prof. C Daniala, on the other hand, announced plans to conduct similar health and screening activities in the villages surrounding the institute on a regular basis.
To mark the day, the East Khasi Hills National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) Cell in collaboration with ‘Ka Synjuk Ki Hima Arliang Wah Umiam Mawphlang-Welfare Society’, Dongiewrim- Mawphlang, organised a marathon from Ladmawreng to Mawphlang Sacred Grove.
Thematised on ‘Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference’, the marathon was participated by a total of 120 people in various categories.
The programme was attended by District Medical & Health Officer TS Momin as the chief guest.
Winners of the marathon under various categories were also awarded.
Ri-Bhoi
In Ri-Bhoi, the Office of the District Medical and Health Officer, in collaboration with the NTCP and the Office of the District Sports Officer, conducted a series of events, under the theme ‘My Meghalaya Tobacco-Free Meghalaya’, to mark the day.
As part of the observance, the World No Tobacco Day Run 2024 was organised, which witnessed an impressive turnout of more than 100 participants, including both men and women.
The run, which commenced from Dulongnar and culminated at the NSCA Mini Stadium in Nongpoh, was inaugurated by Dr. N Mawrie, the District Nodal Officer of NTCP.
Another programme was organised at the Science Hall in Nongpoh, which was attended by various officials, doctors, teachers, schoolchildren, village organisation members, and Health Department personnel.
On the occasion, District Nodal Officer Dr. N Mawrie shed light on the significance of World No-Tobacco Day, elucidating the adverse effects of tobacco consumption, and highlighting the environmental repercussions of the tobacco industry.
A fancy dress competition featuring students from six schools, aimed at fostering awareness about the deleterious effects of tobacco consumption, was also held as part of the observance.
The daylong event concluded with the distribution of prizes among the winners of the World No-Tobacco Day Run 2024 and the fancy dress competition.
SWGH
In South West Garo Hills, the World No-Tobacco Day was observed at Okkapara A’palgre, under the Rerapara C&RD Block by the District Tobacco Control Program Cell under the District Medical and Health Office (DM&HO), South West Garo Hills.
The programme, thematised on ‘My Meghalaya, Tobacco-Free Meghalaya’, was attended by Rerapara Block Development Officer (BDO), Armand Ch. Momin, as the chief guest, while Deputy Superintendent of Police Ravi K. Sangma, attended the same as the guest of honour.
The event featured indigenous game competitions, including Rong’te De’susaa, Chi Ko’susaa, Am’bol De’tomsusaa, Wa’pong Sika, Gando Makkal Pala, and Budu Salgriksusaa. The winners of the competitions were also awarded.
A karaoke was performed by local artist Monika.
In his address, the chief guest emphasised the importance of preventing tobacco usage starting from home. “If we want to prevent tobacco usage, we can. Children spend maximum time at home, so if they see their parents using tobacco, they will be influenced by their bad habits. If we can reduce the use of tobacco, even our society and community will progress,’ he said.
The guest of honour, on the other hand, spoke about the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, and the importance of adhering to the laws that prohibit smoking in public places and the sale of tobacco near educational and religious institutions.
Meanwhile, Sub Divisional School Education Officer (SDSEO) Emphul Marak urged parents to educate their children about the harmful effects of tobacco.
“We have only one life and our choices affect our life. As parents, we should take out time to educate our children against the ill effects of tobacco and other such substances,” he said, adding that schools continuously run anti-tobacco programs throughout the year.
The event concluded with attendees taking a pledge to abstain from tobacco and other harmful substances and to encourage others to do the same.
The programme was also attended by Dr. Cornelius R. Marak, District Nodal Officer of the National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP), Okkapara village Nokma, officials and staff from the Health department, et al.