AWARENESS CAMPAIGN BY AM/NS INDIA TO MARK WORLD NO TOBACCO DAY
Bhubaneswar(05/06/2024): The leading steel maker ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) under its health initiative “Aarogya”, organised awareness sessions across villages in Paradeep and Barbil area to mark World No Tobacco Day.
The theme this year was "Protecting children from tobacco industry interference”, in alignment with World Health Organisation (WHO).
It highlights the critical need to safeguard young people from the harmful influences of tobacco. An awareness session was conducted in Phulbelari village of Paradeep on May 31, 2024, engaging Anganwadi workers, ANM workers, paramedical staff, and SHG members.
Dr.Niranjan Dwivedi of AM/NS India led the session, discussing the heightened risks of heart attack, stroke, and narrowed blood vessels associated with tobacco use.
He also highlighted other severe health consequences such as reduced fertility, pregnancy complications, weakened immune system, oral cancer, gum disease, and tooth loss.
Dr.Dwivedi emphasized that quitting tobacco is possible through strong determination, mental willingness, and continuous counselling.
Similarly, in Sagasahi of Barbil, over 80 community members, including truck drivers and labourers attended an awareness event on World No Tobacco Day.
The session featured addresses by Pramod Mishra, Head of Health and Safety, Mines, AM/NS India and Satyakama Das, Mines Manager, Sagasahi, AM/NS India and Dr.Parameswar Sethi, Medical Officer at the Community Health Dispensary in Kalmang village focusing on the dangers of tobacco and the benefits of quitting.
Participants took a pledge to lead a tobacco-free life, reaffirming their commitment to fostering a healthier community.
In Dalki village, Thakurani, another awareness session was organised where women from the community expressed their concerns about the rising tobacco habits among children and the challenges posed by addiction .
