Health Minister Nisha Mehta Urges Cessation of Tobacco Products

Kathmandu. Health and Food Sanitation Minister Nisha Mehta has urged to quit the consumption of tobacco products. On the occasion of 'World No Tobacco Day', she issued a message today and also urged tobacco product users to resolve to quit it from today.

In the message, Minister Mehta said, "The attempt to quit the addiction of tobacco products may be difficult at first, but with strong willpower, family support, and proper counseling from health workers, it is completely possible."

Minister Mehta has also urged not to fall prey to any harmful substances like vape and hookah in the name of looking modern and different. She also mentioned that the ministry will provide help and counseling for those who want to get rid of tobacco products or vape addiction.

Minister Mehta requested not to be under any illusion as e-cigarettes, vapes, and hookahs contain harmful nicotine and toxic elements just like traditional tobacco products. "The use of tobacco products is becoming a serious public health challenge. According to the latest data, about 29 percent of people in Nepal are consuming tobacco products," the message said. "The fact that more than 39,000 people die every year in the country due to the consumption of tobacco products is a matter of great sorrow and concern for everyone. Therefore, it is urged to quit this addiction."

Minister Mehta said that the new strategies adopted by the tobacco industry targeting adolescents are a challenge and urged the industry to be serious about human health. She said in the message, "Misleading marketing of tobacco and nicotine-containing products, which are available in various flavors, look attractive and modern, is being done through social media, which has further aggravated the problem. Let's not do this anymore. Let's work to discourage the consumption of tobacco products."

Minister Mehta said that the government has emphasized the effective implementation of laws and regulations related to control and regulation to face the existing challenges of tobacco products.

In Nepal, the day is being celebrated today with various programs with the slogan 'Let's break the illusion of new forms of tobacco products and nicotine; let's stay away from addiction, let's choose a healthy life'.