Shun tobacco use for better health: Health Minister Mehta

Kathmandu, May 31: Minister for Health and Food Safety, Nisha Mehta, has urged tobacco users to quit the habit right from today. In her message of best wishes on the occasion of the World NO Tobacco Day-2026 today, she appealed to all tobacco users to give up the consumption.     

"It may be challenging to overcome tobacco addiction at first. However, quitting it entirely is possible with strong will power, family support and guidance from health professionals," she reminded. The Minister also urged the public not to adopt the use of e-cigarettes, vapes or other harmful substances in the name of modernization or fashion.     

 As she said, e-cigarette or vape contain nicotine and other toxic substances that are harmful to health. She assured that the Ministry would provide necessary support and counselling to those wishing to quit tobacco use or vaping.     

Tobacco use has been becoming a severe health challenge. According to the latest data, around 29 percent population in Nepal consumes tobacco products. Each year, over 39,000 people die of consequences of tobacco use in the country which is itself a matter of concern for all. That's why, the government reiterates that tobacco users to give up addiction, the message reads.     

Stating that new strategies implemented by tobacco industries targeting the adolescent populations continue to pose serious public health challenges, the Minister urged such industries to be more sensitive about human health.     

Minister Mehta said the marketing of nicotine-containing tobacco products through social sites along with their availability in various flavors with attractive and modern packaging has made tobacco use more severe. All concerned stakeholders are appealed to put an end to such practices, seeking wider collaboration to discourage tobacco use.     

The Minister echoed the need for an effective implementation of laws relating to tobacco use, control and regulation so as to address the existing challenges from tobacco chewing and smoking.     

The Day is being observed in Nepal too with its global theme of "unmasking the appeal – countering nicotine and tobacco addiction".(RSS)