Assam: Workshop on WHO FCTC to counter tobacco meddling

 GUWAHATI: A state-level workshop was jointly organized by the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union) and the State Tobacco Control Cell, Assam, recently. The workshop’s primary objective was to address and combat tobacco industry interference. Participants included a diverse group, with representatives from universities, NGOs, government departments, and the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC), all emphasizing their collective commitment to the cause.

The State Nodal Officer of the State Tobacco Control Cell, Dr. H. K. Bhattacharyya, delivered the opening address, and participants joined in singing the State Anthem. Satyajit Das, the State Project Coordinator, outlined the workshop’s objectives. Keynote presentations discussed the impact of tobacco in Assam and emphasized the essential role of a multi-stakeholder approach in countering the tobacco industry’s influence. Dr. Shivam Kapoor from The Union provided insights based on global and national experiences in monitoring and countering tobacco industry interference.

A significant focus of the workshop was the discussion of the Tobacco Industry Interference Index India 2021–22, a valuable tool for evaluating industry influence. The event also addressed the challenges faced at the state level during the adoption of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) notification and strategies for its effective implementation. Nabashree Gogoi, Deputy Director i/c, Directorate of Health Services, Assam, expressed gratitude to all participants, marking the end of the workshop, stated a press release.

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