ITANAGAR, Oct 10: The State Tobacco Control Cell (STCC) has roped in popular rock band of the state ‘The Royal Flush’ to create awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco consumption.
The STCC under National Tobacco Control programme in collaboration with Voluntary Health Association of Arunachal Pradesh (VHAAP) is organizing anti-tobacco awareness campaign in 13 districts, where the National Tobacco Control Programme has been implemented.
“The Royal Flush, the Champion and Brand Ambassador of anti-tobacco campaign in the state will be performing at Ziro, Daporijo, Aalo, Yingiong, Roing, Pasighat, Tezu, Changlang, Khonsa, Seppa, Bomdila, Tawang and Papumpare from 12 October onwards,” informed Dr.Biman Natung, State Programme Officer (NTCP), State Tobacco Control Cell.
The campaign will focus on the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS-2), 2016-17.
“As per the survey report, 38.7% of men, 5.4% women and 22.7% adults currently smoke tobacco in Arunachal Pradesh, while 50.1% of men, 27.7% women and 39.3% adults currently use smokeless tobacco.
The report said that 61.1% of men, 28.7% of women and 45.5 % of all adults either smoke tobacco or use smokeless tobacco.
Khaini and Gutka are the most commonly used tobacco products with 22.9% of the adults using Khaini and 18.9 % Gutka.
The prevalence of tobacco use among persons aged 15-17 has increased from 12.3% in GATS-1 to 25.1 % in GATS-2.
“19.7 % of all adults, who worked indoors, were exposed to Second Hand Smoke at their workplace while 21.7% of all adults were exposed to second hand smoke at any public place,” the report said.
