The District Health Society, South Andaman, under the National Health Mission (NHM) in coordination with the Directorate of Health Services, has launched the ‘Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 3.0’ at the Primary Health Centre/Ayushman Arogya Mandir in Garacharma. The campaign, aimed at promoting public health and fostering a tobacco-free generation, will run for 60 days and feature a series of awareness and outreach activities across the district.
The event was inaugurated by Councillor Kavitha Uday Kumar of Ward No. 24, South Andaman, in the presence of Chief Medical Officer (i/c) Dr. M. Joy and District Programme Manager B. Nagendra of the District Health Society. Speaking at the launch, officials highlighted the campaign’s objectives, which include creating awareness among youth about the harmful effects of tobacco, encouraging adoption of a healthy lifestyle, and mobilizing communities to collectively combat tobacco addiction.
Dr. M. Joy delivered a detailed presentation outlining the provisions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) and explained the significant health risks associated with tobacco use, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and respiratory illnesses. He emphasized the importance of early intervention, counselling, and preventive education to reduce tobacco consumption among young people. The presentation also focused on the role of families, schools, and communities in shaping tobacco-free behaviours.
As part of the campaign, students actively participated in essay and drawing competitions centered on the theme “Say No to Tobacco.” Winners were recognized and felicitated with certificates and cash prizes to encourage their creative engagement in promoting anti-tobacco messages. The competitions aimed to engage youth directly, enabling them to communicate the health hazards of tobacco use to peers and community members.
The launch concluded with participants taking a collective pledge to spread awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and contribute to building a healthier, tobacco-free society. District Health Society officials reaffirmed their commitment to continuing outreach efforts and providing educational support to ensure that the campaign reaches maximum youth participation.
The Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 3.0 reflects the administration’s ongoing efforts to protect public health in South Andaman by promoting preventive healthcare, early intervention, and community engagement in the fight against tobacco consumption. The campaign also complements national efforts under the NHM (National Health Mission) to reduce tobacco-related illnesses and foster sustainable, health-conscious behaviours among the younger generation.
