World No Tobacco Day was observed today at the Directorate of Health Services Jammu under the guidance of the Director Dr Abdul Hamid Zargar.
The event was organized by State Tobacco Control Cell Jammu Division, under the aegis of National Tobacco Control Programme with technical support from Vital Strategies India Pvt. Ltd. New Delhi.
The programme was attended by several senior officers of the Directorate of Health Services and associated Offices including Deputy Director Dentistry Dr. Sanjay Sharma; State Malariologist Dr. D.J.Raina; Chief Medical Officer Dr. Harbaksh Singh; AD Schemes Dr. Ila Gupta and State Epidemiologist Dr. Harjeet Rai.
A presentation was given by the Nodal Officer, NTCP on the Tobacco Epidemic, its epidemiology, health and environmental consequences of Tobacco use and Tobacco Control Laws, with a special focus on this year’s theme - “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products.”
This year’s campaign will focus on revealing the tactics that the tobacco and nicotine industries use to make their harmful products seem attractive. The industry consistently tries to find ways to make these products appealing, by adding flavours and other agents that change their smell, taste or appearance. These additives are designed to mask the harshness of tobacco, thereby increasing its palatability particularly among young people. Glamorized marketing, deceptive designs, addition of Coolants and additives strategically attracts a younger demographic, including through digital media channels. These tactics can contribute to early initiation of smoking or nicotine use with potential lifelong addiction and health consequences. By making these products more attractive, the industry not only boosts their immediate consumer base but also makes quitting harder, prolonging exposure to harmful substances.
The audience was informed that annually Tobacco kills 50 lakh people globally out of which 13 lakhs die due to Tobacco in India alone, which translates to almost 3500 deaths per day. It has been found that 90% of oral cancers are caused by chewing tobacco. Its consumption is associated with higher incidence of deaths in TB patients, almost 38% of TB deaths are associated with tobacco use. It also causes infertility in women, impotence in men, higher incidence of low birth weight babies and many other diseases, not only human health but Tobacco also causes environmental destruction, polluting the soil, air and water resources with its toxic ingredients.
The programme ended with a No Tobacco Pledge by all those present.
The Day was also observed in health institutions of all Districts and Blocks of Jammu Division with active participation of Chief Medical Officers, Medical Superintendents and Block Medical Officers along with Officers and Officials of respective Districts and Blocks.