KATHMANDU: Minister for Health and Food Hygiene, Nisha Mehta, has urged the public to give up the consumption of tobacco products.

Issuing a message today on the occasion of ‘World No-Tobacco Day’, she also requested tobacco users to make a resolution to quit it starting today.

In her message, Minister Mehta stated, “The effort to quit tobacco addiction might be difficult in the beginning, but with strong willpower, family support, and proper counseling from health workers, it is entirely possible.”

Minister Mehta also urged individuals not to fall into the temptation or use of any harmful substances like vapes and hookahs in the name of looking modern and different.

She further mentioned that the Ministry will provide support and counseling for those who wish to break free from tobacco or vape addiction.

Minister Mehta requested everyone 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 has become a serious public health challenge. According to recent statistics, around 29 percent of people in Nepal consume tobacco products,” the message states. “The data showing that more than 39,000 people die every year in the country due to tobacco consumption is extremely sorrowful and a matter of concern for everyone. Therefore, I urge you to leave this addiction.”

Stating that the new strategies adopted by the tobacco industry targeting adolescents stand as a challenge, Minister Mehta urged the industry to become serious about human health.

In her message, she said, “Tobacco and nicotine products, which are available in various flavors and look appealing and modern, are being misleadingly marketed through social media, making the problem even more severe. Let us stop doing this now. Let us move toward discouraging the consumption of tobacco products.”

Minister Mehta stated that to face the existing challenges of tobacco products, the government has placed special emphasis on the effective implementation of legal frameworks related to control and regulation.

Today, the day is being celebrated in Nepal through various programs with the slogan, “Let’s dispel illusions about new forms of tobacco and nicotine: Stay away from addiction, choose a healthy life.”