JAIPUR: To mark World Tobacco Day on May 31, the health department is preparing to launch a massive campaign to encourage people to take a pledge not to consume tobacco. In 2019, Rajasthan had set a record in which over 1.13-crore people had taken a pledge not to consume tobacco. This year, it is targeting 2-crore people.
Since tobacco is one of the major causes of cancer, the health department is discouraging consumption of tobacco in any form — smoking and chewing — as part of tobacco-free initiative.
“Tobacco causes cancer, heart diseases and diseases of other organs. The rising cases of cancer related to tobacco consumption is a major cause of concern. The state government had launched 100-day campaign against tobacco, which will conclude on World Tobacco Day (May 31). People are now directly getting involved in the campaign to make it a mission. They will take part in the massive pledge taking events will be organised on May 31 in which it is expected 2-crore people to pledge not to consume tobacco,” said Dr SN Dholpuria, nodal officer, tobacco control programme, health department.
For the past few days, the health department officials have been working hard to achieve the target of 2-crore pledges against tobacco consumption. For the purpose, the health department has sensitised 9 lakh volunteers in villages across the state.
