RAGA, OCT 28:

The Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 4.0 was launched at Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya (VKV), Raga, in Kamle district on Wednesday to raise awareness among students about the harmful effects of tobacco consumption.

The campaign was launched by Kamle District Medical Officer (DMO) Dr. Giri Tali in the presence of District Reproductive and Child Health Officer (DRCHO)-cum-District Programme Officer (DPO) of the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) Dr Kapu Sopin. Medical Officer under the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) Dr Jaylang Padi, NTCP consultant Tamchi Ania, NTCP counsellor Gepo Murtem and VKV School principal Pramod Kumar Gupta also attended the programme, along with teachers and students.

As part of the programme, Dr. Sopin administered an anti-tobacco pledge to the students, urging them to shun tobacco products and adopt a healthy lifestyle.

Dr. Tali also sensitised the students on public health initiatives, including National Deworming Day, Anemia Mukt Bharat and the Stop Diarrhoea Campaign, while highlighting the importance of breastfeeding and preventive healthcare practices.

Later, albendazole 400 mg tablets were distributed to students of VKV School and St. Anthony School in Raga as part of the National Deworming Day initiative.

The programme sought to promote healthy habits among schoolchildren and encourage collective efforts towards a tobacco-free future. (DIPR)