Dimapur: Nagaland launched the fourth edition of the Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign (TFYC 4.0) on Wednesday. The 60-day initiative aims to curb tobacco use among young people across the state.
The State Tobacco Control Cell (STCC), under the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), launched the campaign at the Nagaland Institute of Allied and Healthcare in Kohima. District-level launch programmes and activities will follow across Nagaland.
Director of Health and Family Welfare Dr Imotemsu attended the event as the chief guest. He urged officials to use the 60-day period to intensify tobacco-control activities and improve coordination among districts.
He also stressed the need to monitor progress against campaign targets. In addition, he expressed hope that the initiative would strengthen existing efforts and sustain tobacco-control activities beyond the campaign period.
State nodal officer for NTCP Dr I Simon Sumi delivered the keynote address. He outlined the six key strategies of TFYC 4.0 and highlighted the harmful effects of tobacco use, particularly among young people.
Six strategies to strengthen tobacco control
The campaign focuses on six areas: public awareness, tobacco-free educational institutions, tobacco-free villages, enforcement of tobacco-control laws, social media engagement, and participation by universities and colleges.
The legal enforcement component covers the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, and the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA), 2019.
Through these measures, the campaign aims to increase awareness and encourage communities and institutions to take a more active role in tobacco prevention.
Campaign sets targets for districts
Each district must organise at least 30 information, education and communication (IEC) activities during the campaign. These events will help inform the public about the risks associated with tobacco use.
The initiative also aims to increase institutional compliance and tobacco-free village coverage by 50%. Furthermore, it seeks to raise enforcement activities by 20% and bring 30% of universities and colleges in Nagaland on board.
The campaign will involve government departments, educational institutions, communities and other stakeholders. Their participation is expected to strengthen compliance with tobacco-control laws and discourage tobacco use among young people.
By combining public awareness with enforcement and community participation, TFYC 4.0 seeks to promote healthier habits and support the development of a tobacco-free generation in Nagaland.