Tobacco-free Youth Campaign 2.0 at Guwahati
Dispur,Rongili Bata: The state-level launch of the “Tobacco-free Youth Campaign 2.0” was held at the office of the Directorate of Health Services, Hengrabari. The District Tobacco Control Cell (DTCC), Kamrup (Metro), also launched their district-level campaign at the same venue in collaboration with Vital Strategies.
Dr. Heramba Kumar Bhattacharyya, State Nodal Officer of the State Tobacco Control Cell, Assam, welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of tobacco control programs and individual responsibility in building a tobacco-free society. He highlighted the rising use of tobacco, particularly smokeless forms, among the youth Dr. Nakul Shyam, Additional Director, Directorate of Health Services, inaugurated the initiative with a flag hoisting ceremony. Across the state, all District Tobacco Control Cells had already begun various initiatives since September 24th, following the campaign’s launch by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Dr. Mridul Bharati, District Nodal Officer of DTCC Kamrup Metro, discussed the burden of tobacco use and the significance of the ongoing “Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 2.0.” Mrs. Nobashree Gogoi, i/c Deputy Director at the Directorate of Health Services, Assam, and Satyajit Das, State Project Coordinator from Vital Strategies, led a brainstorming session to gather participant suggestions and potential strategies to incorporate into the 60-day campaign. Debasish Sarma from Vital Strategies led participants in taking a pledge and spearheaded a signature campaign in support of a tobacco-free youth movement.