Tobacco Use in Mizoram, Tobacco Control

Tobacco consumption in Mizoram is way above the national average, according to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2009-10. The report shows the following statistics of consumption of tobacco and smoking in Mizoram–Male (tobacco) – 72.5 %, Female – 61.6 %; Male (Smoking) – 59.4 %, Female – 19 %. The statistics of overall in India reads- Male (tobacco) – 47.9 %, Female – 20.3 % ; Male (Smoking)– 24.3 %, Female – 2.9 %. The ‘Fact Sheet’ showing Mizoram status was opened yesterday at a programme organised by Mizoram State Tobacco Control Society (MSTCS) at I & PR Conference Hall in the presence of Esther Lalruatkimi, Secretary, Health & Family Welfare Department as well as Chairman of MSTCS . “It is shameful to see the status of Mizoram as shown by the Survey. It testifies the high rate of smoking and tobacco consumption in Mizoram. The statistics shown by the Survey is true and reliable, therefore we can make useful of it to find a better ways and strategies in fighting against tobacco and smoking,” Lalruatkimi said. Dr. Jane Ralte, State Nodal Officer cum Project Officer, MSTCS also gave a report on the initiatives of MSTCS in campaigning against smoking and tobacco consumption. Chief Medical Officer (Tobacco Control) Dr. L. Swasticharan also gave read out the report of GATS Report on the statistics of Mizoram, and also on the initiatives taken under National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP). GATS was conducted in 15 different countries with the help of World Health Organization (WHO) and Centre for Disease Control, Atlanta. In India, the Survey is supported by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and is conducted by International Institute of Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai. The sample size in India is 70,000, while in Mizoram it is 1573.