Ranchi: Jharkhand reports approximately 35,000 to 40,000 new cancer patients annually, with 40% to 45% of them suffering from oral cancer primarily caused by tobacco consumption. This revelation was made by Shashi Prakash Jha, director of the Jharkhand chapter of the National Health Mission (NHM), during a programme on tobacco control organised on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day on Sunday.
Call for Coordinated Action
Calling for a 'Whole of Government' and 'Whole of Society' approach to curb the rising cancer cases, Jha emphasised that tobacco control is not merely a health department initiative but a campaign for the entire society. He stressed the need for coordinated efforts involving anganwadi workers, sahiyas, auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs), panchayati raj institutions, rural development departments, self-help groups, educational institutions, urban local bodies, and community organisations to achieve a tobacco-free Jharkhand.
Impact of Addiction
Appealing to residents to quit tobacco and other substance abuse to lead healthier and more productive lives, Jha noted that addiction affects more than just physical health. It weakens people mentally and financially and destabilises families. He urged dental professionals to act as frontline warriors against tobacco use, suggesting that dental care units should be developed as centres for tobacco cessation counselling and behaviour change communication. Additionally, Ayushman Arogya Mandirs should be strengthened as hubs for health promotion and cessation services.
Engaging Youth
Jha urged youngsters to adopt tobacco-free lifestyles and serve as role models. He emphasised that schools, colleges, National Service Scheme (NSS), National Cadet Corps (NCC), Nehru Yuva Kendras, and youth clubs must be actively engaged in these efforts. He highlighted that tobacco awareness programmes were conducted in 1,680 schools, while 282 training sessions were organised with police, education, and other departments. Furthermore, 2,08,701 counselling sessions were held at tobacco treatment centres (TTCs), and 43,308 individuals received pharmacotherapy support.
Month-Long Campaign
The health department has launched a month-long tobacco control and public awareness campaign from May 26, aligned with the theme, 'Unmasking the appeal - countering nicotine and tobacco addiction'. Jha stated that the campaign aims to raise awareness, especially among children, adolescents, and youth, and encourage people to quit tobacco addiction.
