The National Tobacco Control Programme, Tuensang observed “World No Tobacco Day”’ on the theme “Unmasking the Appeal – Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction” with Chief Guest, Tiarenla Sangtam, Sr SDEO, Tuensang and Special Guest, Rev T Mongba, Pastor, TVBC at Old Church Tuensang Village on May 31.

Theme speaker was Sr Dental Surgeon & DNO (NTCP) DH Tuensang, Dr O Daisy Ovung, where she spoke on how Tobacco companies attract youth and Vaping/ E-Cigarettes-its harmful effect, health risk damages by consuming tobacco.

She also highlighted current scenario in Nagaland- 43.3 % of adult (>15yrs) use tobacco higher than the national average, 43 % of School children aged 13-15yrs in Nagaland use tobacco, making it the second-highest youth tobacco use in India.

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A short speech was given by Chief Guest and Special Guest which was followed by Prize distribution & Presentation of Tobacco Free School and Tobacco Free village. Keshai village declared as Tobacco Free village and ten Schools as tobacco free schools under Tuensang District.

Painting competitions were also conducted category wise as Senior and junior. The prizes were given to Tobacco Free village, Tobacco Free Schools and winners of painting competition cash prize along with Certificates.

The programme was chaired by President, TVSU, K Yongkongchuba which began with an invocation by APY, TVBC Dr K Ayen Mongba Chang, a keynote address was given by Head Master, Baptist School Tuensang Village, Thungti Khumba S Chang and concluded with a vote of thanks by District Consultant, NTCP, Tuensang, Sentilong Longchar.