Tobacco Free Youth campaign launched at Senapati
Source: The Sangai Express

Senapati, October 25 2025: The Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 3.0 was launched for Senapati district under the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), NHM, at the CMO Conference Hall, Senapati, on Friday.

The event was graced by Ningreingam Leisan, ADM Senapati, as the chief guest and Dr Sumpi Percy, CMO/DHS Senapati, as the guest of honour.

In his address, Ningreingam Leisan emphasized that the success of the campaign depends on focusing efforts on the education sector, youth engagement, and law enforcement.

He stated that the initiative would be effective only when communities, NGOs, educational institutions, and churches work collaboratively to safeguard young people from the harmful effects of tobacco.

Dr Sumpi Percy, in her keynote address, highlighted the need for continuous awareness of the ill effects of tobacco use despite mandatory warnings.

She noted that Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 3.0 was launched nationwide on October 9, 2025, by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to foster a tobacco-free environment through public awareness and strong policy implementation.

She stated that the 60-day campaign will focus on the enforcement of COTPA 2003 and PECA 2019, expanding community-based initiatives, and strengthening anti-tobacco efforts in educational institutions.

Dr James Pao, DNO, DTCC Senapati, stated that Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 3.0 is a continuation of the World No Tobacco Day initiative.

He highlighted that India records approximately 13.5 lakh deaths annually due to tobacco consumption.

Dr Pao explained that tobacco use leads to cancer, coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive lung disease, decreased fertility, and a weakened immune system.

He added that tobacco-related cancers constitute 33.3% of all cancers in India and warned that cigarette smoke contains more than 7,000 chemical compounds, including 200 known poisons and 69 cancercausing agents.

Expressing concern, he pointed out that many students begin using tobacco at an early age, putting their health and lives at risk.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by RK Elizabeth, DPM (NHM) Senapati.

The event was attended by ZEO staff, teachers, medical personnel, and other dignitaries.

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