Annually, more than 10 lakh deaths in India are attributable to tobacco use, in all its forms. More than 20 lakhs young people start using tobacco every year, which leads them to addiction, while making them vulnerable to many health conditions. As Tobacco is one of the four major drivers to the epidemic increase in non-communicable diseases in India (Hypertension, diabetes, lung diseases etc), it is crucial to play attention to the health and development repercussions of tobacco on its users, especially the young people.  In the current context of the COVID-19 pandemic, tobacco use paves ways for further health complications to the individuals who consume it.  Chewing tobacco leads to spitting in public places which a public health menace.

From time-to-time the government has introduced policies and enforcement measures such as ban on e-cigarettes, sale of single sticks, etc. COTPA addresses such as ban on smoking in public places and all direct advertisements and many others issue as well. However, due to various issues there exists enforcement gaps. We believe public pressure on the system could result in narrowing the enforcement gaps be it checking advertisements or sale of tobacco product near educational institutions and to minors.

The Tobacco Free campaign aims to mobilize support of all citizens concerned about children being imitated into tobacco use to strengthen the efforts of the government to protect children.