New Campaign Launched to Combat Youth Tobacco Use

• 26 Sep 2024

On 24th September 2024, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare unveiled Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 2.0, aimed at safeguarding India's youth from the detrimental effects of tobacco.

• Each year, approximately 1.3 million people in India succumb to tobacco-related diseases, prompting urgent action to protect public health.
• The Minister called for a collective commitment from both the youth and adults to prioritize health over tobacco consumption for a better future.
• This year’s 60-day campaign focuses on enhancing public awareness of tobacco’s dangers, especially among young people and rural communities.
• The initiative aims to enforce updated guidelines for Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions, ensuring schools and colleges remain free from tobacco influences.
• Strengthening compliance with tobacco control laws, including COTPA 2003 and PECA 2019, is a crucial aspect of the campaign to restrict youth access to tobacco products.
• Promoting Tobacco-Free Villages encourages communities to unite against tobacco use, fostering healthier living environments across the country.
• The campaign also leverages social media to reach young audiences, delivering impactful messages about the harms of tobacco and the advantages of quitting.