State-level launch of Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 3.0, organized by the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) under the Department of Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland was held at Baptist College, Kohima, on October 9.
In line with its commitment to tobacco control and the vision of a tobacco-free generation, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India, has institutionalized the Tobacco Free Youth Campaign (TFYC) as an annual national initiative since 2023. The campaign aims to educate and empower young people across the country to resist or quit tobacco use.
Commissioner and Secretary, Health & Family Welfare Department, Anoop Khinchi, IAS, officially launched the Tobacco Free Youth Campaign (TFYC) 3.0. In his address, he described the launch as both “timely and strategic,” citing the high burden of tobacco use among both adults and children in Nagaland and the declining age of initiation. He called for a shift from isolated interventions to a system-wide approach.
He emphasized the urgency of tackling tobacco use, which remains a major public health challenge, and stronger inter-departmental coordination, tobacco vendor licensing, and capacity building of stakeholders.
“Every school declared tobacco-free, every village enforcing the law, and every young person who chooses to say no to tobacco is a step toward a healthier Nagaland,” he said. He also administered Anti-Tobacco Pledge, reaffirming the collective commitment.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Mereninla Senlem, Principal Director, Directorate of Health & Family Welfare, she shared that under TFYC 1.0 and 2.0, Nagaland made remarkable progress declaring numerous Tobacco Free Educational Institutions and Tobacco Free Villages, while strengthening enforcement of COTPA, 2003 and PECA, 2019.However, She also underscored the persistent challenge: according to the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS-4), 43% of school-going children aged 13–15 years in Nagaland currently use some form of tobacco, a figure mirrored among adults in the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS-2).
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In his opening remarks, Mission Director, National Health Mission, Nagaland, Dr Keveduyi Theyo, reiterated the Government’s commitment to preventive health and behavioural changes among young people. He called upon students to act as ambassadors of the campaign, spreading awareness on the harmful effects of tobacco use and influencing their peers and families to make healthy choices.
Highlighting the importance of the 60-day campaign period, Dr Theyo urged every district to demonstrate innovation and leadership through daily reporting, reviews, and field action.
Delivering the highlights of the campaign, Dr I Simon Sumi, State Nodal Officer, NTCP, presented an overview of the objectives and strategies of TFYC 3.0. He informed that daily reporting and periodic state-level reviews will be undertaken, and that a series of activities and awareness drives have been planned across districts over the 60-day campaign period.
Dr Enünü Sale, Assistant Professor, Department of English, Baptist College chaired the event , an invocation and welcome note delivered by Dr Kewepfuzu Lohe, Principal, Baptist College Kohima. The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Dr Neingutunuo Angami, District Nodal Officer, NTCP Kohima.
Zunheboto:
Officials of DTCC, Zunheboto and students during the launching of Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 3.0 at Immanuel Hr. Sec School, Zunheboto
District Tobacco Control Cell (DTCC) Zunheboto has launched Tobacco Free Youth Campaign (TFYC)3.0 at Immanuel Higher Secondary School, Zunheboto on October 9. Students from Cornerstone Higher Secondary School, Love Dale School also attended the program. Dr Chumei Nyam, Dental Surgeon District Hospital, Zunheboto spoke about the main objectives of TFYC 3.0
While launching TFYC 3.0, Dr Vihuto Assumi, President, Sumi Hoho stated that, Sumi Hoho, being the apex body of the Sumi people, warmly welcome and support all the initiatives to promote health awareness among the youth, he also highlighted the consequences of long term usage of tobacco damage to our health, and said that students should be the agents of tobacco free generations.
Kiphire:
The District Tobacco Control Cell Kiphire launched the Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 3.0, a strategic initiative aimed at promoting tobacco control and prevention among the youth in Kiphire District.
The campaign was inaugurated with a rally flagged off by the Guest of Honour, Chinese, Superintendent of Police (SP) of Kiphire. In his keynote address, SP Chinese emphasized the critical importance of youth refraining from tobacco consumption, highlighting its detrimental effects on health and well-being.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from students, who actively engaged in sharing Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials on the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) in both local and English dialects. The students also raised slogans against tobacco abuse, demonstrating their commitment to the cause.
As part of the campaign, the District Enforcement Team Kiphire took decisive action against violators of tobacco control laws.
The enforcement team identified and took action against 10 defaulters who were selling tobacco products in proximity to school premises. These defaulters were found in violation of the COTPA Act 2003.
The defaulters were fined in accordance with the provisions of the COTPA Act 2003. Additionally, the tobacco products seized were duly processed under the jurisdiction of the local police station.
Appreciation and Collaboration
The District Tobacco Control Cell extended its sincere appreciation to all stakeholders who contributed to the successful launch and implementation of the Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 3.0.
Wokha:
The District Tobacco Control Cell (DTCC), Wokha, launched the Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 3.0 on October 9 as part of a nationwide initiative under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. The 60-day campaign, which will conclude on December 7, seeks to promote tobacco-free lifestyles among students and young people.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Wokha, Renbomo Ezung, NCS, graced the launching programme as the special guest. Addressing the gathering, Ezung spoke on the short-term and long-term impacts of tobacco use and urged the youth to abstain from tobacco consumption. He also commended the efforts of the District Tobacco Control Cell for its consistent work towards creating tobacco-free zones and spreading awareness on the ill effects of tobacco use.
Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Wokha, Dr Thungchanbemo Ezung, highlighted the health hazards and addictive nature of tobacco use. He encouraged young people to make informed and healthy choices while staying away from harmful substances.
Dental Surgeon, UPHC Wokha, Dr Thungrhoni Kikon, presented the key objectives of the Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 3.0, which include raising awareness about the dangers of tobacco use among adolescents, promoting behavioural change through education and community engagement, strengthening enforcement of tobacco control laws in institutions and public places, and encouraging peer-led initiatives to sustain tobacco-free environments.
Principal of Mount Tiyi College, Dr. Bwenyhunle Khing, delivered the welcome address, while Psychologist, DTCC Wokha, Tshopeü Khutsoh, chaired the programme.
