In Bhopal, a Class IV student who began chewing tobacco at a very early age by imitating his parents has now become a 'tobacco champion' — a student selected to spread awareness about the dangers of tobacco and report violations of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COPTA) near his school.
Identification and Counselling
The child's habit was identified during a visit by the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), which included district nodal officer Dr Jyotirmay Chakrawarty and counsellor Sarika Dubey. After receiving sustained counselling since September, the boy managed to quit within six months.
Role as Tobacco Champion
Teachers later nominated him as a 'tobacco champion'. In this role, he leads peer campaigns inside the campus and helps ensure the 100-metre no-tobacco zone around the school is respected. His transformation is being highlighted on World No Tobacco Day as part of efforts to curb early initiation of tobacco among children.
Challenges and Progress
NTCP continues to face a formidable challenge across Madhya Pradesh. In the past year, 411 schools in the state capital have been declared compliant with Tobacco Free Educational Institutes (ToFEI) norms. Officials say this is the highest number in Madhya Pradesh. Additionally, seventy-five people were declared tobacco-addiction free at the JP Hospital cessation centre last week, having remained abstinent for six months or more. However, tobacco sales near many educational institutions remain a well-known compliance loophole, underscoring the challenge ahead for enforcement.
World No Tobacco Day Activities
On Sunday, awareness activities were organized across various health institutions in the district to mark World No Tobacco Day. A special program marking 'Tobacco Prohibition Week' was organised at the government-run JP Hospital, under the theme 'Unmasking the Appeal: Combating Tobacco Addiction.'
Key Highlights of the Campaign
- Tobacco-Free Schools: 411 schools have been declared tobacco-free, showing progress in protecting children from early initiation.
- Tobacco-Free Villages: 41 villages in the district have achieved compliance, extending awareness beyond urban centres.
- Awareness Campaigns: Ambulances carrying banners are being used to spread anti-tobacco messages across the city, countering misleading advertisements.
- Youth Engagement: Competitions for nursing students and schoolchildren encourage creative participation in anti-addiction themes.
- Health Risks Highlighted: Counselling sessions warned about high blood pressure, heart disease, infertility, and menstrual irregularities linked to tobacco use.
- Free Support Services: Free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) and counselling are available at JP Hospital, with a national helpline 1800-11-2356.
- Pregnancy Pledge: A pledge for tobacco-free pregnancy was administered, focusing on maternal and child health.
- Community Involvement: Doctors, counsellors, and hospital staff actively participated, signalling institutional commitment.
