PECUC observed World No Tobacco Day

Bhubaneswar 31/05: Tobacco use is a leading cause of 14 types of cancer and other severe health impacts, claiming 8 million lives globally each year. Young people are particularly vulnerable to tobacco’s harmful effects due to peer pressure. In a recent webinar titled “Protecting Children from Tobacco Health Harms,” organized by People’s Cultural Centre (PECUC), experts highlighted the critical need for joint efforts to combat tobacco use. The event, held on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day, brought together civil society representatives, youth ambassadors and health professional to discuss strategies for reducing tobacco-related health risks.
Mr. Ranjan Kumar Mohanty, Secretary PECUC gave the welcome address and said the purpose of this webinar is to discuss strategy to protect the children and youth from the clutch of tobacco use. Dr. Ranjit Kar, a Radiation Oncologist at Panda Clinic in Cuttack, stated that tobacco contains 60,000 ingredients capable of causing cancer, lung infections, low birth weight in babies, gangrene, and skin problems. He emphasized that cancer particularly affects young people who use tobacco or related products. Dr. Kar called for not to use to use tobacco and stressed the importance of educating children and young people about its health risks. He also said for ban on the branding of tobacco products. Ms. Mandakini Kar, Chairperson of OSCPCR, participated in the webinar and emphasized that mass awareness drives in schools, colleges, and communities, along with a ban on tobacco advertising at sell point, would be effective measures in addressing tobacco use and its associated health risks. State president of Ecosavers youth network Stuti Ranjan Pradhan emphasized the need for focused action against tobacco use and called for joint efforts to prevent its health hazards. Anuradha Mohanty, Executive Director, PECUC and Dr. Minakshi Panda, Chairperson of PECUC, also spoke at the event. Cancer survivor Sachikanta Das urged the youth to avoid tobacco, highlighting its severe consequences. Among others representative of Civil Society organisations of Odisha, Pradeep Kumar Behera, ADARSH, Kabita Mohanty, MAHIMAS, Sophia Shaik, SWC and Shailabala Nayak, HELP, and Youth Ambassadors Narayan, Sradhanjali, Annapurna, and Gitanjali also gave suggestions to reduce tobacco use. More than 100 participants from different districts of Odisha participated in this webinar. Pooja Panda of PECUC gave the vote of thanks.