Matribhumi Samachar English
JAIPUR, May 30: Tobacco and smoking-related diseases continue to pose a major public health challenge in Rajasthan, where nearly 211 people lose their lives every day due to tobacco-related illnesses. According to health experts, the annual death toll in the state has reached nearly 77,000, highlighting the urgent need for stronger tobacco control measures and public awareness campaigns.
Globally, tobacco consumption causes more than seven million deaths annually, while approximately 1.35 million people die every year in India due to tobacco-related diseases. At the same time, Rajasthan has emerged as a center for tobacco-control education, with volunteers receiving specialized training aimed at reducing tobacco-related mortality worldwide.
Organizations working in tobacco control and public awareness, including Sukham Foundation and leading healthcare professionals, believe that timely intervention, stricter regulation of tobacco and nicotine products, and large-scale awareness initiatives can significantly reduce preventable deaths.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced the theme for World No Tobacco Day 2026 as “Unmasking the Appeal – Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction.” The theme aims to expose the tactics used by the tobacco industry to attract young users while encouraging individuals to quit tobacco and seek support.
Senior Professor Dr. Pawan Singhal from the Department of ENT at Sawai Man Singh Hospital, Jaipur, said the campaign focuses on educating people about the severe health risks associated with tobacco consumption and helping users overcome addiction.
He explained that tobacco companies often use attractive marketing strategies to target children and young people. The campaign seeks to expose these tactics and protect adolescents from falling into nicotine addiction. Awareness about modern nicotine products such as e-cigarettes is also being promoted.
Dr. Singhal noted that tobacco products are frequently portrayed as symbols of fashion and modern lifestyles, creating misconceptions among youth. Correcting these misconceptions remains one of the campaign’s key objectives.
He emphasized the need for effective implementation of tobacco-control laws, restrictions on tobacco use and spitting in public places, extensive public awareness programs, inclusion of tobacco-related health education in school curricula, a complete ban on tobacco advertising, and stronger community participation.
According to data from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey, more than 77,000 people die every year in Rajasthan due to tobacco and smoking-related diseases. More than 300 children in Rajasthan and nearly 5,500 children across India begin consuming tobacco products every day.
Medical experts identify tobacco as a leading cause of cancers affecting the mouth, tongue, throat, and stomach. It is also linked to high blood pressure, heart attacks, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, and stroke.
Currently, 24.7 percent of Rajasthan’s population consumes tobacco in some form. Among them, 13.2 percent are smokers, while 14.1 percent use smokeless tobacco products.
Rajasthan’s achievements in tobacco control have gained international recognition. In 2025, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Washington, appointed Dr. Pawan Singhal as a mentor. Since then, young professionals and public health representatives from India and several other countries have been receiving guidance and training under his leadership.
Dr. Singhal said selected participants are trained in Rajasthan and are provided with field exposure to understand the current tobacco-use landscape and tobacco-control initiatives across the state.
Dr. Somil Rastogi, Trustee of Sukham Foundation, stressed that awareness alone is insufficient and must be complemented by strict legal and social action.
He advocated stronger regulation of tobacco sales and promotions, particularly in areas with a high concentration of children and youth. He also called for penalties and restrictions on spitting and improper disposal of tobacco-related waste in public places.
Dr. Rastogi further emphasized large-scale public awareness campaigns, inclusion of tobacco-related health risks in school education, a complete ban on tobacco advertisements, and greater participation of communities, organizations, citizens, and government institutions.
He stated that protecting children and young people from the influence of the tobacco industry is a collective responsibility and essential for building a healthier and safer future.
Notably, the World Health Organization has recognized Rajasthan Government’s tobacco-control efforts by conferring the World No Tobacco Day Award 2026.
