SHILLONG: Tobacco use has reached alarming levels in Meghalaya, with nearly half of all adults aged 15 and above consuming tobacco and close to 8,000 lives lost each year to tobacco-related illnesses, Meghalaya Nodal Officer for the National Tobacco Control Programme, Dr Nabaneeta D. Mawrie said on Monday.
Speaking at the launch of the World No Tobacco Day 2026 campaign, Dr Mawrie described the situation as a serious public health concern and said urgent action was needed to protect the state’s youth and communities.
“Tobacco is not just a habit, it is a carefully designed trap that targets our youth and communities,” she said. “With nearly half of adults aged 15 and above in Meghalaya using tobacco, and close to 8,000 lives lost annually due to tobacco-related illnesses, the urgency to act has never been greater.”
The WNTD’26 campaign was launched under the theme “Tobacco! Business of DEATH,” in line with the global theme “Unmasking the appeal, countering nicotine and tobacco addiction.” The drive, which began on April 6, will run in schools and colleges across the state through April and May, culminating on May 31.
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Dr Mawrie said the campaign aims to mobilise educational institutions to lead rallies, signature drives, and community outreach programmes to counter industry tactics and promote informed choices among students.
“The campaign seeks to expose the harmful tactics used by the tobacco industry, encourage students to make informed and healthy choices, and transform awareness into meaningful community action,” she said. She also pointed to progress under the Tobacco Free Educational Institutions initiative, implemented with Sambandh Health Foundation. Over the past four years, more than 9,000 schools and nearly 6 lakh students in Meghalaya have joined awareness drives on the harmful effects of tobacco.
Department of Education official Jennyfer J Synrem said the scale of last year’s participation showed momentum was building. “In 2026, we are not just continuing a campaign; we are building a movement,” she said. “Schools are not only centres of learning but catalysts of change.”
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Deputy Commissioner of South West Garo Hills Anendya Raajsshre said sustained effort was key. “True change happens when awareness turns into action. Initiatives like WNTD and ToFEI are not just campaigns, they are commitments to protect lives,” she said.
The campaign is expected to draw participation from schools, colleges, government departments, civil society organisations, and community groups in the lead-up to World No Tobacco Day on May 31.
