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.
