Awareness campaign by AM/NS India to mark World No Tobacco Day
By Pravakar Sahoo
Bhubaneswar, June 5: The leading steel maker ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) under its health initiative “Aarogya”, organised awareness sessions across villages in Paradeep and Barbil areato mark World No Tobacco Day. The theme this year was”Protecting children from tobacco industry interference”,inalignmentwith World Health Organisation (WHO). It highlights the critical need to safeguard young people from the harmful influences of tobacco.
An awareness session was conducted in Phulbelari villageof Paradeep on May 31, 2024, engaging Anganwadi workers, ANM workers, paramedical staff, and SHG members. Dr. Niranjan Dwivedi of AM/NS India led the session, discussing the heightened risks of heart attack, stroke, and narrowed blood vessels associated with tobacco use.
He also highlighted other severe health consequences such as reduced fertility, pregnancy complications, weakened immune system, oral cancer, gum disease, and tooth loss. Dr. Dwivedi emphasized that quitting tobacco is possible through strong determination, mental willingness, and continuous counselling.
Similarly, in Sagasahi of Barbil, over 80 community members, including truck drivers and labourers attended an awareness event on World No Tobacco Day.
The session featured addressesbyShri Pramod Mishra, Head of Health and Safety,Mines, AM/NS India and Shri Satyakama Das, Mines Manager,Sagasahi, AM/NS India and Dr. Parameswar Sethi, Medical Officer at the Community Health Dispensary in Kalmang villagefocusing on the dangers of tobacco and the benefits of quitting. Participants took a pledge to lead a tobacco-free life, reaffirming their commitment to fostering a healthier community.
In Dalki village, Thakurani, another awareness session was organised where women from the community expressed their concerns about the rising tobacco habits among children and the challenges posed by addiction.
AM/NS Indiais committed to creating a healthy community and drives various initiatives such asMedical Mobile Units, health camps, ambulance support, disease prevention drive, development of sanitation unitsas part of its health initiatives in Odisha.
