On the occasion of World Health Day (7 April, 2022), we are happy to share the release of a youth-led fact sheet under #IndiaVsTobacco, which is a step toward spreading social awareness around the harmful effects of tobacco use and consumption in India.
Over the years, tobacco consumption is becoming a big issue in India and yet there’s little happening to combat this.
According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) India, 2016–17, India is the second-largest consumer of tobacco — nearly 267 million adults (15 years and above) are users of tobacco in India. GATS states that mortality due to tobacco in India is estimated at upwards of 1.3 million.
Led by the MASH Project Foundation, this collaborative fact sheet was developed through a national youth survey launched after their national youth convening called Charcha Se Change, organised by 25 plus youth organisations and Tata Memorial Center (TMC) on Republic Day.
At the convening, Dr Pankaj Chaturvedi, Head-and-Neck Cancer Surgeon, Tata Memorial Hospital, highlighted the role that youth can play for a tobacco-free India.
So far, over 25 youth organisations across India, including those from UP, Maharashtra, Delhi, Bihar, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, have endorsed the factsheet and are leveraging it to raise awareness about tobacco consumption in the communities they work with.
The Tobacco Factsheet 2022
- More than 47% of tobacco users started before the age of 10.
- 69% of schools were found with tobacco sale points within a 100-metre radius, according to a 2020 study.
- 91% of tobacco sales displays are 1-metre high.
- 90% sold beside candy, sweets and toys.
- 54% had no visible health warning.
- 1/3rd of youth are influenced by tobacco advertising, promotions and sponsorship.
- Secondhand smoke is just as harmful as smoking, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke by 30%.
- More than 30% of vendors are seen offering tobacco price discounts and freebies.
According to GYTS–4 data, 38% of cigarette, 47% of bidi smokers and 52% of smokeless tobacco users initiated the use before their 10th birthday. The median age at initiation of cigarette and bidi smoking and smokeless tobacco use were 11.5 years, 10.5 years and 9.9 years, respectively.
In contrast, 71% of students thought other people’s cigarette smoking is harmful to them, whilst 58% of students favoured a ban on smoking inside enclosed public spaces.
The Covid-19 pandemic has not just revealed weaknesses in all areas of society but has laid a clear emphasis on the growing health crisis owing to tobacco consumption and the increased risk of diseases like TB, Cancer, cardiovascular diseases and Asthma, amongst others.
“Through films, other media and elsewhere, there is an implicit link drawn between tobacco use and social acceptance. What is less talked about is how the usage can quickly become a habit with health and financial consequences.
“I’m happy to use my platform to talk about exactly this. Tobacco consumption is harmful to health. It’s time more people start thinking and talking about it openly,” said Dr Sidhaant Nangia, MD Pulmonologist and educator.
The 2022 World Health Day theme titled “Our Planet, Our Health” centres on the steps people are taking to protect their health and prioritise their well-being.
According to WHO, the tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced, killing more than 8 million people a year, many of whom are in India. Tobacco usage directly corresponds to an increase in the number of health diseases around the world.
Using Social Media To Spread Awareness
Earlier, ten regional young digital content creators came together to create 100 videos on the harmful effects of tobacco consumption using #IndiaVsTobacco on their platforms throughout the month of March, including key moments like International Women’s Day, National No Smoking Day and World TB Day.
These young content creators aim to make use of social platforms to create engaging conversations on the harmful impact of tobacco consumption in a manner that is relatable and relevant to the youngsters of the country.
So far, these videos have been viewed over 250K times on platforms like Instagram and MX TakaTak.
“I recently did a reel for World TB Day which required research on the link between tobacco and TB risk. It really opened my eyes to the need for a counter tobacco culture.
“As an influencer and content creator, I hope my reels will influence someone to take the right step for their tobacco-free future,” said Krisha Mehta.
Over the last few months, #IndiaVsTobacco has been gaining momentum as different initiatives are using the hashtag to demonstrate their support for a tobacco-free India.
Later this month, interactive billboards are set to be unveiled in major cities of Uttar Pradesh to initiate conversations around the health risks that tobacco inflicts on the well-being of our society and spread awareness toward a tobacco-free India.
About MASH Foundation:
MASH Project Foundation is an award-winning social enterprise committed to building and empowering a global community of young social changemakers.
It works with national and international organisations to deliver high-quality social impact through interventions in community building, capacity development and amplifying impact through campaigns and communication solutions for the social impact space.