The State Tobacco Control Cell (STCC), National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), Nagaland, officially launched the Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign (TFYC) 4.0 at the Nagaland Institute of Allied and Healthcare (NIAH), Paramedical, Kohima on 28th October 2026. The state-level launch marks the rollout of the 60-day campaign across all districts of Nagaland, with district-level launch programmes and activities to be undertaken across the state.

Director, Family Welfare, Directorate of Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Imotemsu, graced the occasion as the special guest and formally launched the campaign at the state level. In his address, he emphasised the importance of utilising the 60-day period to intensify tobacco-control activities, strengthen coordination across districts and assess progress towards campaign targets. He expressed hope that the campaign would reinforce ongoing initiatives and support sustained implementation beyond the campaign period.

The keynote address was delivered by State Nodal Officer, NTCP, Dr. I. Simon Sumi, who outlined the six key strategies of TFYC 4.0 and highlighted the harmful effects of tobacco use, particularly among young people.

The campaign focuses on six strategies: public awareness, Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions, Tobacco-Free Villages, enforcement of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, and the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA), 2019, social media engagement, and engagement with universities and colleges. Key targets include conducting at least 30 IEC events per district, increasing institutional compliance and Tobacco-Free Village coverage by 50%, increasing enforcement activities by 20%, and onboarding 30% of universities and colleges in the state.

The welcome address was delivered by Dr. Akaba Jamir, Principal, NIAH. District Nodal Officer, NTCP, Kohima, Dr. Neingtunuo Angami chaired the programme, while State Programme Officer, National Oral Health Programme, Dr. N. Moangangba Jamir delivered the concluding remarks.

The campaign seeks to strengthen tobacco prevention, improve compliance with tobacco-control laws and mobilise educational institutions, communities and stakeholders across Nagaland to protect young people from tobacco use and promote a healthier, tobacco-free generation.