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Mizoram: India's Youth Hit Hardest by Tobacco
11 Sep
Summary
- Mizoram leads India in tobacco use among schoolchildren aged 13-15.
- The state ranks second nationally for tobacco use in adults.
- High tobacco rates correlate with Mizoram's top cancer incidence.
Mizoram is grappling with the highest prevalence of tobacco use among schoolchildren in India. Survey data indicates that 58% of students aged 13 to 15 in the state consume tobacco, a figure that has raised significant health concerns. This alarming trend contributes to Mizoram also holding the second-highest rate of tobacco use among its adult population aged 15 and above, with 58.7% of people using these products.
The health minister, Lalrinpuii, emphasized the urgent need for action, pointing out the correlation between high tobacco consumption and Mizoram's leading position in cancer incidence nationwide. She called for a united effort to eliminate tobacco from every household in the state. While anti-tobacco campaigns have been ongoing, stronger, renewed initiatives are deemed necessary, with plans to utilize revenue from tobacco cess for fresh programs.
