District Tobacco Control Cell Organizes an Awareness Program on Youth Targeting and Industry Tactics on May 31 in line with the World No Tobacco Day 2025, at the auditorium of Dr. Neilhouzhü Kire Government Higher Secondary School, Seikhazou.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Reyosalu Lase Vizo, Joint Director (Dental) and State Nodal Officer, National Oral Health Programme (NOHP), Directorate of Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland said, “Tobacco use continues to be one of the leading causes of preventable diseases and deaths globally. Unlike some illnesses that are beyond our control, tobacco-related diseases—such as cancer, heart and lung conditions, and reduced fertility—are entirely preventable. Studies show that nearly 50% of all tobacco users will eventually die from tobacco-related diseases. Why should we take that risk?”
The event was organized by the District Tobacco Control Cell (DTCC), Kohima, under the global theme: “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products.” The program aimed to highlight the deceptive strategies used by the tobacco and nicotine industry—particularly in targeting youth—and to promote a healthier, tobacco-free generation.
Dr. Vizo warned that tobacco companies are increasingly targeting children and adolescents with candy-flavored, colorfully packaged products that mask their harmful contents. These products are often marketed as modern, safe, or even nicotine-free—an alarming trend of deceptive advertising.
Although Nagaland does not cultivate tobacco commercially, the state is facing a public health crisis due to its consumption. “About 35% of children between the ages of 13 and 15 In Nagaland use tobacco in some form—either smoked or smokeless. This is a deeply concerning statistic,” she said.
She also raised concerns about the environmental and public health risks of spitting in public spaces, which can spread airborne diseases including COVID-19, tuberculosis, and other viral infections. She reminded the audience that spitting is now punishable by fines of up to ₹5,000 under public health regulations.
Dr. Vizo called for collective action at the school level, emphasizing that all educational institutions in Nagaland have been declared tobacco-free zones. Teachers have been designated as enforcement officers who can monitor vendors around schools and take action under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003.
“Say no to tobacco. Say yes to health and life,” she urged students, teachers, and all participants.
Ruokuotuonuo Rutsa, Clinical Psychologist under the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), NHAK Kohima, served as the theme speaker. In her address, she spoke in depth about the sophisticated psychological tactics employed by tobacco companies to attract young users. She explained how these industries manipulate identity, self-image, and emotional vulnerabilities to make tobacco use appear fashionable, liberating, or relaxing.
From sleek packaging and flavoring to influencer endorsements and misleading terms like “light” or “filtered,” Rutsa described how these products are deliberately designed to downplay health risks and normalize use among adolescents.
She stressed the urgency of countering these tactics with education, vigilance, and policy enforcement. “What may seem like a choice to fit in or feel grown-up can quickly evolve into addiction,” she cautioned. Rutsa further emphasized the science of nicotine dependence, highlighting its impact on brain chemistry and the challenges of breaking the addiction cycle. She encouraged students to stay informed, make conscious choices, and seek help when needed. Her session also provided practical steps for quitting tobacco, including nicotine replacement therapies, counseling, and the importance of a strong support system.
The event also featured a public pledge against tobacco, led by Dr. I. Simon Sumi, District Nodal Officer, DTCC Kohima. Following this, the winners of the World No Tobacco Day competitions were announced and awarded.
The first prize was secured by Neitseizo Usou, a Class 9 student from RDNUMS. Theyievi Terhuja, studying in Class 10 at Mt. Hermon Higher Secondary School, won the second prize. Lungciepgumlung Iralu, a Class 10 student from Crest View School, bagged the third prize. Two fourth prizes were awarded to Dziesesanuo Pienyü of Class 10 from Neilhouzhü Kire GHSS and Chingnyu Konyak of Class 8 from Government High School, Bayavü.
The program was chaired by Zelapranuo Kire and concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Pele, Psychologist at DTCC Kohima.
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SHAMATOR
On occasion of ‘World No Tobacco Day’, an awareness program on cigarettes and other Tobacco products was observed at DB’s Court Shamator on May 31.
The program was organized by the District Administration and District Hub for Empowerment of Women, Department of Social Welfare in collaboration with Health & Social Welfare Department and Police.
In his speech, the guest speaker, Mekato J Aye, EAC Shamator spoke about the health effects of tobacco consumption in life. Dr. Ezra Anar, MO CHC, Shamator administered an oath on say no to tobacco, while prohibition of trade and distribution Act 2003 (COTPA) was explain by Renithung Lotha, ASI DEF, Shamator. The program was successfully conducted with active participants from NGOs and representatives of government departments.
PUNGRO VILLAGE
The Community Health Centre (CHC), Pungro observed World No Tobacco Day 2025 with a significant awareness program held at Government Middle School, Pungro Village. The event was organized under this year’s global theme, “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products,” aiming to shed light on the manipulative strategies employed by the tobacco industry, especially in targeting the youth.
Dental Surgeon, CHC Pungro, Dr. Theja Vizo was the resource person of the program. Addressing students, teachers, and community members, Dr. Vizo emphasized the harmful effects of tobacco and nicotine products and elaborated on how the tobacco industry often glamorizes its products to lure young people into addiction.
PHEK
In observation of World No Tobacco Day 2025, Walkathon rally program was held at Phek town on May 31 under the theme – “UNMASKING THE APPEAL: EXPOSING INDUSTRY TACTICS ON TOBACCO AND NICOTINE PRODUCTS”. The SP Phek, Dr. Pritpal Kaur, IPS flagged off the walkathon ceremony at local ground, Phek. Hundreds of Students from various schools in Phek town participated in the walkathon rally with anti-tobacco placards, from Local ground to Clock Tower covering a distance of 2 Kms.
Mezivolu T. Therieh, NJS, District Session Judge & Chairperson, Phek District Legal Services Authority delivered a speech on the significance of Observing World No Tobacco Day 2025. The program was organized by the District Tobacco Control Council Cell in collaboration with Phek District Legal Services Authority.
Dr. Pfukhrolo Khesoh, District Nodal Officer, District Tobacco Control Cell chaired the program, where Rev. Dr. Thûpucuyi Khesoh, Pastor Phek town Baptist Church offered invocation prayer.
