Srinagar, June 21:
In a significant recognition of its efforts in public health and tobacco control, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India, has declared Kashmir Division as the Best Performing Region in the Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 2024.
The accolade was officially presented during the Annual Review Meeting of the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) held on May 20, 2025, in New Delhi.
Representing the Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir, Dr.MohdNaser, State Project Coordinator, and Dr. Maria Zaffer, State Consultant, received the certificate of appreciation and memento on behalf of the region.
Officials said the award acknowledges Kashmir Division’s exemplary efforts in mobilising youth, conducting awareness drives, enforcing anti-tobacco laws, and promoting a tobacco-free culture in educational institutions and public spaces.
“The Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir, takes great pride in this national recognition. It strengthens our resolve to further intensify tobacco control measures and safeguard the youth from the harmful effects of tobacco,” a senior health official said.
This honour reflects the dedication of field teams, district nodal officers, local stakeholders, and community partners who played a key role in executing the campaign on the ground.
Despite the ongoing tobacco burden in Jammu and Kashmir, the health department has made consistent strides. In October 2024, Kashmir launched Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 2.0, under the broader framework of the National Tobacco Control Programme, featuring a wide range of outreach and awareness activities.
The first phase of the Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign was introduced by the MoHFW on May 31, 2023, to coincide with World No Tobacco Day, with the aim of encouraging young people to resist or quit tobacco use.
