In a significant move towards safeguarding the health of India’s younger generation, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Mrs. Anupriya Patel, launched the ‘Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 3.0’ in New Delhi today. The campaign, spearheaded by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), aims to create mass awareness among students and young adults about the harmful effects of tobacco and encourage them to adopt a healthy, tobacco-free lifestyle.

The third phase of the campaign builds upon the success of its previous editions, intensifying efforts to reach schools, colleges, and universities across the country through interactive awareness drives, digital outreach, and community engagement programs. The initiative is part of India’s ongoing strategy to achieve the goals set under the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) and the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).

Speaking at the launch, Mrs. Anupriya Patel emphasized the urgent need to protect youth from tobacco addiction, stating, “India’s demographic dividend is our greatest strength, and protecting our youth from the dangers of tobacco is a national priority. Through this campaign, we aim to build a generation that is aware, responsible, and committed to leading a healthy, tobacco-free life.”

The campaign will involve partnerships with educational institutions, youth organizations, and influencers to drive behavioral change. It will also leverage social media platforms to spread impactful messages on the health, social, and economic consequences of tobacco use.

According to official data, tobacco consumption remains one of the leading preventable causes of death in India, contributing to nearly 1.35 million deaths annually. Experts believe that early intervention and sustained awareness efforts like the Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign are essential to curb initiation among young people.

With the launch of Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 3.0, the government reiterates its commitment to achieving a tobacco-free India, aligned with the national vision of reducing tobacco use prevalence by 30% by 2025, as part of the broader goal to ensure better public health outcomes for all.