JAMMU, Jun 1: AIIMS Vijaypur, Jammu, observed World No Tobacco Day 2026 with a series of awareness and pledge-taking activities aimed at promoting tobacco cessation and preventing nicotine addiction. The programme was organized under the theme “Unmasking the Appeal – Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction” and reflected the institute’s continued commitment to public health and preventive healthcare.
The observance was held under the visionary leadership of Prof. (Dr.) D. N. Sharma, Executive Director and CEO, AIIMS Vijaypur, Jammu, whose sustained efforts have strengthened public health outreach initiatives across the region.
A highlight of the event was the “No Tobacco Pledge Ceremony”, organized under the guidance of Prof. Sharma to reaffirm the institute’s commitment to building a tobacco-free society. The ceremony was conducted in the virtual presence of Punya Salila Srivastava, Secretary (Health), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
As part of the observance, the Department of Community Medicine conducted extensive awareness programmes at the Main OPD Block and the Outreach Centre at Sangwal. Community members, patients, attendants and healthcare workers participated in interactive sessions focusing on the harmful effects of tobacco consumption and the importance of quitting tobacco use.
During the awareness campaign, participants were educated about various tobacco products commonly used in the region, including cigarettes, bidis, hookah containing tobacco, and smokeless tobacco products such as gutkha, khaini, zarda and pan masala. Experts highlighted the addictive nature of nicotine and explained how attractive packaging, flavouring agents and marketing strategies are often used to increase the appeal of tobacco products.
The sessions emphasized the serious health consequences associated with tobacco use, including cancers of the oral cavity, lungs, larynx and esophagus, chronic respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, adverse reproductive outcomes and premature death. Participants were informed that tobacco use continues to be one of the leading preventable causes of disease and mortality worldwide.
Healthcare professionals also stressed the importance of preventive measures, including discouraging the 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 efforts. The harmful effects of second-hand smoke and the need for strict adherence to tobacco control regulations were also discussed.
Special focus was placed on tobacco cessation and de-addiction services. Participants were encouraged to seek professional support for quitting tobacco and were informed about counselling facilities, cessation services and de-addiction centres available to assist users. Practical strategies such as behavioural counselling, peer support and medical interventions were shared to motivate individuals towards adopting a healthier, tobacco-free lifestyle.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. (Dr.) D. N. Sharma emphasized that tobacco use remains a major public health challenge and called for collective action to combat nicotine addiction. He underscored the importance of sustained community engagement, awareness generation and preventive interventions in reducing tobacco consumption.
Reiterating AIIMS Jammu’s commitment to public health, he encouraged tobacco users to utilize available cessation services and assured continued support through awareness, prevention and treatment initiatives aimed at creating healthier and tobacco-free communities.