DIMAPUR, April 10 - More than half of Nagaland�s population (57%) is tobacco users while, according to GATS 2010 survey, the State stands as the second highest consumer of tobacco, next to Mizoram, in the nation.
This was stated by District Nodal Officer (NTCP), Wokha Dr Meribeni Odyuo, in her keynote address at a one-day seminar on sensitisation of women community on the harmful effects of tobacco and COPTA Act 2003 at LTC Hall, Wokha on April 8. The seminar was organised by District Tobacco Control Cell, Wokha and Department of Health and Family Welfare, Nagaland.
Dr Odyuo said that steps are being taken to curb tobacco menace especially with the inception of tobacco control laws like COPTA 2003. �More people are now aware and advocating smoke-free or tobacco-free surrounding,� she added.
Dr Odyuo also said that NTCP, Wokha team is creating awareness about the ills of tobacco in the society and has conducted awareness programmes in 26 schools, training and sensitisation programmes in the churches, towns and nearby villages. More such programmes are coming up, she said.
Wokha EAC (Judicial) T Kupa, who was the chief guest of the seminar, said if proper awareness is created among the public, use of tobacco can be prevented.
