Capacity Building Programme on Tobacco-Free Youth Held in Pherzawl

A one-day capacity building programme under the Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 3.0 (TFYC 3.0) was organised on Thursday by the District Health Society (DHS), Pherzawl, at J.S. School, Parbung. The programme aimed to raise awareness on the harmful effects of tobacco among teachers, police personnel and leaders of civil society organisations.

Teachers from schools in Parbung, Lungthulien, Damdei and Taithu participated in the event along with police officers and community leaders. Chief Medical Officer Dr Hmanglamkhup Kom highlighted the serious health risks associated with tobacco use and stressed the goal of transforming all schools into Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions. He urged teachers to act as “agents of change” in promoting tobacco-free environments both in schools and within their communities.

A police officer briefed participants on the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, and the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA), 2019, outlining penalties for smoking in restricted areas. A participating headmaster also shared his resolve to maintain tobacco-free campuses.

The programme concluded with an appeal for collective action to build a healthier, tobacco-free generation in Pherzawl district.