Mizoram State Anti-Tobacco Day was observed yesterday across the state. In the capital city, the Indian Society on Tobacco & Health: Mizoram Chapter (ISTHM) and National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) jointly organized a program at Chanmari YMA Hall, Aizawl to mark the day in the presence of Chief Minister Mr. Zoramthanga.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister congratulated the efforts of various organizations in creating awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco usage which, he pointed out, has resulted in decline in instances of public smoking and smoking in general amongst youngsters. The Chief Minister however noted that tobacco usage in other forms apart from smoking are still very prevalent and thus needs to be tackled with renewed efforts.

Chief Secretary to the government of Mizoram Mr. Lalnunmawia Chuaungo eho chaired the program highlighted the dangers of tobacco to health, it's prevalence in Mizo society and the need for active continued efforts in anti-tobacco campaign. He pointed out a 2017 Global Adult Tobacco Survey-2 (GATS-2) where 54% of Mizo males and 14% of females are smokers, and 21% of males and 46% females take tobacco in other forms apart from smoking.

Mrs. Lal Riliani, President of the ISTHM spoke of the link between cancer and tobacco, and commented that the unusually high cancer records in the state could be reduced to a large extent if all tobacco usage were to cease completely.

Dr. Zorammawia, State Nodal Officer for National Tobacco Control Programme, Mizoram made a presentation on the theme "Tobacco and Lung Health" where he inferred from a series of surveys that majority of cancer patients are smokers. In yesterday's programme, 47 Life Membership Certificates of ISTHM were handed out and the gathering made a pledge to avoid tobacco in all kinds of forms and also to create awareness amongst others.