KOCHI: Various organisations, civil society groups are planning awareness programs on the ill-effects of tobacco on the person and the society as a whole in connection with ‘World No Tobacco’ day.
“We are planning to conduct an awareness program at Tripunithura and will be involving students from Trippunithura Boys High School in the programme. The drive will highlight the ill effects of tobacco and also make people aware about the illicit trade of cigarettes,” said Saju V Itty, executive director, Kerala Voluntary Health Services.
Kerala is one of the states which has initiated strict tobacco control activities. High Court in March 27, 2012 has directed the government to form School Protection Committees at all education institutions to monitor tobacco use.
The judgment had also directed the government to form district and state level monitoring committees.
As per the latest study conducted by Kerala Voluntary Health Services, most of the districts have shown a compliance to the ‘No Smoking’ rule of above 90%. However, smoking at public places and irregular functioning of the school protection committees remain matters of concern.
