PECUC observed World No Tobacco Day
Bhubaneswar (By Abhishek Mohanty): Tobacco use is a leading cause of 14 types of cancer and other severe health impacts. Globally, over 8 million people die annually due to tobacco use, including about 1.2 million deaths from exposure to second-hand smoke. This makes tobacco use a major preventable cause of death worldwide. Young people are particularly vulnerable to tobacco's harmful effects due to peer pressure.
In a recent webinar titled “Protecting Children & youth from Tobacco Harms,” organised by People’s Cultural Centre (PECUC), experts highlighted the critical need for joint efforts to combat tobacco use.
The event, held on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day, brought together civil society representatives, youth ambassadors and health professional to discuss strategies for reducing tobacco-related health risks.
Ranjan Kumar Mohanty, Secretary PECUC gave the welcome address and said the purpose of this webinar is to discuss strategy to protect the children and youth from the clutch of tobacco use.
Dr.Susanta Kumar Swain, Additional Director of Health Services (NCD), Directorate of Public Health, Odisha stated that there is no safe limit for tobacco use and it is capable of causing cancer, lung infections, low birth weight in babies and many other health issues. He emphasises that we should work together to save young generation from tobacco clutch. Dr.Pratap Kumar Jena, Professor Public Health, KIIT, Bhubaneswar spoke in detail about the danger of second hand smoke and urged the youth and children to stay out of this harmful act and practice healthy habits.
Prahalad Sinha, Senior columnist and distinguished Gandhian spoke about role of various stakeholders in making Odisha tobacco free. He stressed on massive awareness campaign involving youth and proper implementation of tobacco law can be effective in making Odisha tobacco free.
Dr. Girija Shankar Mishra, State Consultant, Tobacco Control Cell, Department of Health & Family Welfare spoke about the efforts of Central and State Governments for making educational institution tobacco free. He also said for ban on the branding of tobacco products along with tobacco advertising at sell point and reducing the demand of tobacco through awareness generation can be effective in controlling tobacco use. Executive Director of PECUC, Anuradha Mohanty, led the youth and children in reciting the pledge, while Puja Panda of PECUC gave vote of thanks.
More than 100 participants including CSOs and youth leaders of different districts of Odisha participated in this webinar.
