The State Tobacco Control Cell (STCC) of Meghalaya has received the prestigious World Health Organization (WHO) Director-South-East General’s Asia Region Award for its exemplary efforts in tobacco control. The award reflects the combined hard work of the STCC, the Education Department, the Police Department, and the various stakeholders involved in the anti-tobacco initiative. These outstanding efforts have encouraged active community participation across the state, leading to a successful campaign to create awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use.
In order to raise awareness and mobilize communities, the campaign held a total of 7,388 rallies. Additionally, 4.9 lakh students across 7,975 schools participated in the initiative to promote a healthy lifestyle. To demonstrate their commitment to this cause, a large number of individuals signed a signature campaign in public spaces. This program has seen remarkable successes in creating widespread awareness and participation.
The State Tobacco Control Cell, in collaboration with the Health & Family Welfare Department, the Education Department, and the Police Department, has managed to reduce the number of individuals exposed to tobacco products. In a statement, Meghalaya Chief Minister Shri Conrad K Sangma expressed his pride in the STCC’s efforts and promised to build a better, healthier future for the state. Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh, Minister of Health & Family Welfare Department, also congratulated the team’s success and reminded them of the importance of continued effort to prevent any potential health risks of smoking. Meanwhile, Shri. Sampath Kumar, Principal Secretary & Development Commissioner, Department of Health & Family Welfare, acknowledged the need for collaborative efforts, while Shri. Ram Kumar S, IAS, Secretary of Health & Family Welfare Department, expressed his gratitude to the schools that took part in the campaign.
Dr. Lana Lyngdoh, Nodal officer of the STCC, praised everyone involved and emphasized that these results reflect the commitment to creating a tobacco-free world for present and future generations. The Government of Meghalaya has shown its appreciation of the STCC by recognizing this prestigious award and encourages further engagement in the fight against tobacco.
The Sambandh Health Foundation was also an integral part of this campaign. They successfully reached more than 3,500 villages and heightened frontline advocacy, generating substantial momentum towards the fight against tobacco. The Foundation is committed to community development and capacity building, providing a range of programs and initiatives to support public health for the community.
