Awareness programme on harmful effects of tobacco kicks off at Kpi
Source: The Sangai Express
Kangpokpi, March 03 2019:
As a part of tobacco control initiatives under National Tobacco Control Programme, Kangpokpi, awareness programme on the harmful effects of tobacco and other intoxicant products was carried out in different schools under Kangpokpi District by NTCP Kangpokpi District in collaboration with three NGOs.
While the awareness programme was conducted at Eklavya Residential School, Gamnom-Saparmeina in collaboration with Sangai Youth Tobacco Free and Educational Organisation attended by Dr Bimola Kumari, retd CMO Imphal West as resource person, it was also conducted at Realway Academy, Thangkanphai, Saikul in collaboration with INSIDE-North East with Dr Shonsan Koireng, MO CHC Saikul as resource person.
The awareness programme was also conducted at John Calvin Academy, Leimakhong in collaboration with Agent for Social Change in the presence of Dr Paotinlal Haokip, MS in-charge District Hospital, Kangpokpi and at Pangjang Junior High School, Saikul in collaboration with INSIDE-North-East.
Moreover, the programme was also organized at Kangpokpi High School in collaboration with Agent For Social Change and at HM Higher Secondary School, Keithelmanbi in collaboration with Sangai Youth Tobacco Free & Educational Organisation.
Dr John Lupheng, District Nodal Officer, NTCP, Kangpokpi district said that NTCP Kangpokpi plans to conduct such awareness programme in maximum number of schools possible in collaboration with the three NGOs.
While elaborating on the idea as to why schools are targeted for the awareness programme, the District Nodal Officer, NTCP Kangpokpi said that the vulnerability of youth to tobacco use and the growing use of tobacco among the youngsters are high and teachers being the best guide, can help and mould the youngsters especially the school going children free from tobacco while adding that teachers may ensure that no vendor selling tobacco is seen within 100 yards of the school premises.
Highlighting on the upcoming plans of the NTCP Kangpokpi, Dr John Lupheng said that it will also conduct District level training of all stakeholders, law enforcers and health personnel shortly in the coming days and appealed all the educational institutions or education departments, CSOs and other stakeholders to support the programme.