Guwahati: Mizoram has recorded the country’s highest prevalence of tobacco use among school students aged 13 to 15, with 58 per cent of those surveyed reporting tobacco consumption, according to data presented by the state government.
The figures were highlighted during the 13th State Anti-Tobacco Day programme in Aizawl on Friday, where Health Minister Lalrinpuii called for stronger and sustained measures to curb tobacco consumption among young people.
Lalrinpuii said the high prevalence was particularly worrying given Mizoram’s high cancer burden. She appealed to families across the state to take steps towards becoming tobacco-free, stressing the health risks associated with tobacco use.
The data presented at the programme was drawn from the Global Youth Tobacco Survey-4 (GYTS-4) and the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2016-17.
According to the GYTS-4 findings, tobacco use among students aged 13-15 stood at 58 per cent in Mizoram, the highest among states in the country.
Mizoram also recorded a high level of tobacco consumption among adults. The GATS 2016-17 found that 58.7 per cent of people aged 15 and above in the state used tobacco, placing Mizoram second among Indian states on this indicator.
The health minister said Mizoram has been running anti-tobacco campaigns for several years, but stronger and renewed interventions are required to address tobacco consumption. The state government is also considering new initiatives using revenue generated through tobacco cess, she said.
Updated data on tobacco use is expected from a fresh round of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey, which is currently under way. Another Global Youth Tobacco Survey is also being planned.
Mizoram has observed State Anti-Tobacco Day every September 11 since 2013, making it the first state in India to establish a dedicated day for tobacco-control awareness.
Two schools were also recognised during Friday’s programme for their performance under the ToFEI -School Challenge: Towards a Tobacco Free Generation, 2025. PM Shri Government Kawrthah Primary School-1 secured the first prize in the Foundation Category, while Government Leitlangpui Higher Secondary School received a consolation prize.
The programme was organised jointly by the National Tobacco Control Programme under the National Health Mission and the Indian Society on Tobacco and Health, Mizoram. Similar awareness programmes were held across the state through District Tobacco Control Cells.