Jammu, June 01: All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Jammu observed “World No Tobacco Day 2026” through a series of awareness and pledge-taking activities, under the theme “Unmasking the appeal – Countering nicotine and tobacco addiction.”
“The Institute has consistently advanced its mission of promoting public health, preventive healthcare and community well-being, under the visionary leadership of Prof (Dr) D N Sharma, Executive Director and CEO, AIIMS Vijaypur, Jammu. His commitment has fostered numerous initiatives aimed at addressing key public health challenges. In line with this vision, the activities were organized with the objective of creating awareness regarding the harmful effects of tobacco use and promoting tobacco cessation and de-addiction services among the community,” an AIIMS Jammu spokesperson said.
To mark the “World No Tobacco Day 2026”, AIIMS Jammu organised a “No tobacco pledge ceremony” reaffirming its commitment to a tobacco-free society. The ceremony, according to the spokesperson, was held in the virtual presence of Punya Salila Srivastava, Secretary (Health), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
As part of the observance, the Department of Community Medicine actively engaged with community members, patients, attendants and healthcare workers.
Awareness sessions were conducted at the main OPD block and Outreach Centre, Sangwal. During the sessions, participants were sensitised about various forms of tobacco products commonly used in the region, including cigarettes, bidis, hookah containing tobacco and other smokeless tobacco products like gutkha, khaini, Zarda and pan masala.
They highlighted the addictive nature of nicotine and explained how the tobacco industry often uses attractive packaging, flavouring agents and marketing strategies to increase the appeal of tobacco products.
The awareness programme focused on the numerous health hazards associated with tobacco consumption, including cancers of the oral cavity, lungs, larynx and esophagus, chronic respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, adverse reproductive outcomes, and premature mortality. Participants were informed that tobacco use remained one of the leading preventable causes of disease and death worldwide.
The team also emphasised preventive and control measures such as avoiding initiation of tobacco use, creating tobacco-free homes and workplaces, protecting children and adolescents from exposure to tobacco products, and strengthening community support for tobacco control initiatives.
“The harmful effects of second-hand smoke and the importance of adhering to tobacco control regulations were also discussed. Special emphasis was placed on tobacco cessation and de-addiction services,” spokesperson said.
Participants were encouraged to seek professional help for quitting tobacco and were informed about available cessation support, counselling services, and de-addiction centres. Practical strategies for quitting tobacco, including behavioural counselling, peer support and medical assistance where required, were discussed to motivate users towards a tobacco-free lifestyle.
Executive Director and CEO, AIIMS, Vijaypur, Jammu, emphasised the importance of sustained community engagement in tobacco control and nicotine addiction prevention.
“AIIMS Jammu continues to undertake public health outreach activities aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing non-communicable diseases,” he said.
Prof (Dr) D N Sharma highlighted that tobacco use remained a major public health challenge and stressed the need for collective action. He further encouraged tobacco users to utilise available cessation and de-addiction services and reiterated AIIMS Jammu’s commitment to supporting tobacco-free communities through awareness, prevention and treatment initiatives.
