The authorities at the local Health Department have roped in social, sports and educational organisations to launch a coordinated movement to spread awareness on causes and consequences of consumption of tobacco and its products, said officials.
A campaign was kicked off with workshops, seminars and nukkad meetings with focus on World Health Organization’s theme for World No Tobacco Day: Unmasking the appeal, countering nicotine and tobacco addiction.
Responding to a call made by health officials, activists vowed to support the campaign.
The enthusiasts said events will be organised at educational institutes, factories, rickshaw stands, labour union stations and with associations working for rights of transporters.
Senior Medical Officer (SMO) Dr Jyoti Kapoor said events were launched at Rotary Felicitation Centre, and with truck operator union and rice shellers to kick off the campaign which will continue in the forthcoming weeks.
“As the evil is industry manipulated, we have to take extensive and intensive measures to save youth from the clutches of tobacco and its products, which have emerged as a major cause of pulmonary ailments , cardiovascular disorders and cancer,” said Dr Jyoti during her keynote address at an inaugural function organised under the aegis of the local unit of Rotary Club and the Ahmedgarh Sports Club and Social Welfare Organisation.
