Nearly half of Meghalaya’s population aged above 15 years consumes tobacco in either smoked or smokeless forms, while around 8,000 people die annually due to tobacco-related illnesses, a senior health official said, highlighting the scale of the public health challenge in the state.
Launching the World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) 2026 campaign on Monday, State Nodal Officer of the National Tobacco Control Programme, Nabaneeta D Mawrie, described the growing prevalence of tobacco use as a matter of serious concern, particularly among the youth.
“Tobacco is not merely a habit but a trap strategically designed to addict our youth and society,” Mawrie said, stressing the urgent need for stronger preventive measures. She noted that the high consumption rates and rising mortality figures demand immediate and sustained intervention.
The WNTD 2026 campaign in Meghalaya is being conducted under the theme “Tobacco! The Business of Death,” in alignment with the global theme “Unmasking the appeal, countering nicotine and tobacco addiction.”
Officials stated that the awareness drive, which commenced on April 6, will continue across schools and colleges throughout April and May, culminating on May 31. The campaign focuses on engaging students and educational institutions in activities such as rallies, signature drives, and outreach programmes aimed at spreading awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use and the tactics employed by tobacco companies.
According to Mawrie, the initiative seeks not only to inform but also to inspire behavioural change. “The campaign is intended to expose the strategies of the tobacco industry, motivate students to make informed choices, and convert awareness into collective community action,” she said.
She also highlighted progress under the Tobacco Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) programme, implemented in collaboration with the Sambandh Health Foundation. Over the past four years, more than 9,000 schools and nearly six lakh students across Meghalaya have participated in anti-tobacco awareness initiatives.
Education department official Jennyfer J Synrem observed that increasing participation each year reflects a growing level of awareness among the public. “In 2026, we are not simply running a campaign, but building a movement. Schools are emerging not only as centres of education but also as catalysts for social change,” she said.
Echoing the need for sustained efforts, Deputy Commissioner of South West Garo Hills Anendya Raajsshre emphasised that awareness campaigns must translate into tangible action to curb tobacco use.
Also read: Meghalaya to begin ₹772.96 crore township water project
Follow us
