KHONSA, 1 Jun: World No Tobacco Day was observed by the department of health & family welfare at the general hospital here in Tirap district on Monday.
On the occasion, a ‘no tobacco’ pledge was administered to the health department’s officials as well as other heads of departments.
DMO Dr N Lowang in her address highlighted the health and other risks associated with tobacco use and advocated having effective policies in place to reduce tobacco consumption.
Later in the day, Tirap DC Taro Mize launched the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) at the general hospital, in the presence of ZPC Chathong Lowang, the DMO and HoDs.
Informing about the vaccine, the DMO said, “PCV can prevent pneumococcal disease, which refers to any illness caused by pneumococcal bacteria. These bacteria can cause many types of illnesses, including pneumonia, which is an infection of the lungs. Besides pneumonia, pneumococcal bacteria can also cause ear and sinus infections, meningitis (infection of the tissue covering the brain and spinal cord) and bacteraemia (bloodstream infection).”
She further stated that anyone can get pneumococcal disease but children under two years of age, people with certain medical conditions, adults of 65 years or older, and cigarette smokers are at the highest risk.
“The PCV is free of cost at government hospitals,” the DMO added.
The PCV was also launched at the general hospital in Aalo by West Siang DC Moki Loyi on 31 May, in the presence of DMO Dr Moli Riba, DFWO Dr Tomar Kamki, and others.
The DMO briefed about the PCV and its doses, and informed that “left-out and dropout beneficiaries for Covid-19 vaccination for age category of 45 and above years shall be enlisted through house-to-house survey through ASHAs and AWWs.”
Shi-Yomi observes WNTD
Meanwhile, the Shi-Yomi health department observed World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) at the community health centre in Mechuka on 31 May.
On the occasion, DMO Dr Millo Kunya said that tobacco products are “not only health hazardous but also spread disease to others through smoking and spitting in public places in this kind of pandemic situation.”
She urged all medical staffers and the people of Shi-Yomi to shun tobacco addiction, and administered the pledge to quit smoking. (DIPROs)
