 Early Times Report
JAMMU, June 1: Under the visionary leadership of Prof. (Dr.) D. N. Sharma, Executive Director & CEO, AIIMS Vijaypur, Jammu, the Institute has consistently advanced its mission of promoting public health, preventive healthcare and community well-being. His commitment has fostered numerous initiatives aimed at addressing key public health challenges. In line with this vision, AIIMS Jammu observed World No Tobacco Day 2026 through a series of awareness and pledge-taking activities, under the theme "Unmasking the Appeal - Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction".
The activities were organized with the objective of creating awareness regarding the harmful effects of tobacco use and promoting tobacco cessation and de-addiction services among the community. On World No Tobacco Day 2026, AIIMS Jammu organized a "No Tobacco Pledge Ceremony" under the guidance of Prof. (Dr.) D. N. Sharma, Executive Director & CEO, AIIMS Vijaypur, Jammu, reaffirming its commitment to a tobacco-free society. The ceremony was held in the virtual presence of Punya Salila Srivastava, Secretary (Health), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.
As part of the observance, the Department of Community Medicine actively engaged with community members, patients, attendants and healthcare workers. Awareness sessions were conducted at the Main OPD block, and Outreach Centre, Sangwal. During the sessions, participants were sensitized about various forms of tobacco products commonly used in the region, including cigarettes, bidis, hookah containing tobacco and other smokeless tobacco products like gutkha, khaini, Zarda and pan masala. They highlighted the addictive nature of nicotine and explained how the tobacco industry often uses attractive packaging, flavouring agents and marketing strategies to increase the appeal of tobacco products.
The awareness programme focused on the numerous health hazards associated with tobacco consumption, including cancers of the oral cavity, lungs, larynx and esophagus, chronic respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, adverse reproductive outcomes, and premature mortality. Participants were informed that tobacco use remains one of the leading preventable causes of disease and death worldwide.
The team also emphasized preventive and control measures such as avoiding initiation of tobacco use, creating tobacco-free homes and workplaces, protecting children and adolescents from exposure to tobacco products, and strengthening community support for tobacco control initiatives. The harmful effects of second-hand smoke and the importance of adhering to tobacco control regulations were also discussed.
Special emphasis was placed on tobacco cessation and de-addiction services. Participants were encouraged to seek professional help for quitting tobacco and were informed about available cessation support, counselling services, and de-addiction centres. Practical strategies for quitting tobacco, including behavioral counseling, peer support, and medical assistance where required, were discussed to motivate users towards a tobacco-free lifestyle.
Prof. (Dr.) D. N. Sharma, Executive Director & CEO, AIIMS, Vijaypur, Jammu, emphasized the importance of sustained community engagement in tobacco control and nicotine addiction prevention. AIIMS Jammu continues to undertake public health outreach activities aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing non-communicable diseases. He highlighted that tobacco use remains a major public health challenge and stressed the need for collective action. He further encouraged tobacco users to utilize available cessation and de-addiction services and reiterated AIIMS Jammu's commitment to supporting tobacco-free communities through awareness, prevention, and treatment initiatives. |
