The health department of Jharkhand is set to launch a comprehensive month-long special tobacco control and public awareness campaign across the state from May 26 to June 26. This initiative coincides with World No Tobacco Day, observed annually on May 31.
Campaign Theme and Objectives
The campaign will operate under this year's global theme, “Unmasking the appeal – countering nicotine and tobacco addiction.” Shashi Prakash Jha, the director of the Jharkhand chapter of the National Health Mission (NHM), issued directives on Saturday to all civil surgeons, deputy commissioners, and district AYUSH officers to actively conduct activities throughout the campaign period.
“The primary goal of the campaign is to raise awareness among the general public, with particular emphasis on children, adolescents, and youth, regarding the detrimental effects of tobacco and nicotine products. These include heightened risks of oral cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses. Additionally, the campaign seeks to motivate individuals to quit tobacco addiction,” Jha stated.
Inter-Departmental Coordination
The health department will collaborate closely with several other government departments, including education, Panchayati Raj, urban development, food safety, and information and public relations, as well as educational institutions, to organize the programme effectively.
Enforcement Measures
Under the campaign, strict enforcement of the provision that prohibits the sale of tobacco products within a 100-meter radius of educational institutions will be implemented. This will be achieved by marking the boundary with a yellow line and clearly displaying signage reading ‘Tobacco-Free Zones’,” Jha added.
School and Community Activities
At least ten schools will be visited each week, where debates and quizzes will be held. Declaration forms confirming compliance will be collected from participating schools. In rural areas, the campaign will feature cycle rallies, wall paintings, and street plays. Additionally, Gram Sabha resolutions will be passed to declare villages as tobacco-free zones.
Enforcement Teams
Enforcement efforts will be bolstered by three-tier raiding teams, police station in-charges, and municipal squads to ensure adherence to regulations.
