GDCW Kathua hosts webinar on “Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference”

KATHUA, JUNE 01: The Drug De-Addiction and Psychological Counselling Cell of Government Degree College for Women, Kathua, organized a significant webinar today on the topic “Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference” to mark World Tobacco Day.

The event focused on the current landscape of drug abuse, and the social and financial exploitation of people, particularly the youth.

Principal of the college, Dr. Savi Bhel emphasized the importance of regularly organizing such initiatives.

The webinar saw active participation from various departments, including Health and Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kathua. The event featured distinguished speakers, Chief Scientist and Head of KVK Kathua Dr. Vishal Mahajan, and M.D. (Pathology) Dr. Reetika Gupta,

Convener of the Drug De-Addiction/ Psychological Cell Dr. Renu Gupta highlighted the critical role of World Tobacco Day in raising awareness about the health risks associated with tobacco use. These risks include cancer, heart disease, stroke, and respiratory illnesses. The theme for World No Tobacco Day 2024, “Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference,” aims to safeguard future generations and ensure a steady decline in tobacco consumption.

Dr. Vishal Mahajan, in his keynote address, underscored the importance of preventing tobacco use among youth. He noted that nearly 90% of adults who smoke daily started by age 18, with flavorings in tobacco products making them particularly appealing to youth. He stressed the need to sensitize young people about the dangers of tobacco abuse, which severely impacts their health and future.

Dr. Reetika Gupta emphasized that adolescents are the most vulnerable to initiating tobacco use. She pointed out that while smoking rates have decreased in developed countries due to awareness of tobacco’s harmful effects, tobacco companies are now targeting developing countries like India with aggressive advertising. This has led to a rapid increase in the trade and use of smokeless tobacco products, posing serious concerns for health planners. Dr. Gupta discussed various factors that influence young people to start using tobacco and outlined preventive strategies to combat this issue.

The event was meticulously supervised by Dr. Renu Gupta, with vital contributions from Prof. Seema Jolly, Dr. Inderjeet Kour, Dr. Deepshikha Sharma, Dr. Rachna Devi, Prof. Romika Bhasin, Dr. Ambika, Prof. Surbhi Gupta, Dr. Kamini Kapoor, Dr. Sonika Jasrotia, Dr. Ajay Sanotra, and Dr. Gurpreet Kour, members of the Drug De-Addiction/Psychological Cell.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Ajay Sanotra, recognizing the collective effort in making the event a success.