Aizawl: The Mizoram government has launched the tobacco-free youth campaign 3.0, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to protecting the health of young citizens.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Lalrinpuii inaugurated the campaign at a function held in Aizawl.
Speaking during the event, Lalrinpuii said the primary objective of the campaign is to create tobacco-free villages and schools across the state.
A study conducted by the state Health Department revealed that most drug addicts in Mizoram begin their substance use with tobacco and alcohol.
The study also found that tobacco and drug use have spread among middle school students, she added.
“Tobacco use not only affects mental and physical health but also harms the environment, impacts financial management of individuals and families, and affects daily life,” Lalrinpuii said.
She further urged participants to play an active role in combating tobacco use and its associated health risks.
Tobacco use remains a serious public health concern in India, claiming more than 13 lakh lives every year.
According to the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS-2019), 8.4% of students aged 13–15 currently use tobacco products, with the average age of initiation as early as 10 years.
Mizoram, along with Arunachal Pradesh, records the highest prevalence of tobacco use among students in this age group.
According to the GYTS (2019) report, 44% of students in Mizoram currently use smoked tobacco, while 33% use smokeless tobacco.
Among smokers in the state, 63.7% were boys and 53% were girls, while more girls (37.7%) used smokeless tobacco compared to boys (28.1%).
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About 42% of students were exposed to secondhand smoke at home, while 51% were exposed in enclosed public places.
Officials noted that peer pressure remains the primary factor driving the high rate of tobacco use among students.
