In a significant achievement for public health and education, Meghalaya has set a milestone by having 86% of schools certified as Tobacco Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI), the highest percentage in India. This move is crucial as the state witnesses around 8,000 tobacco-related deaths annually. Moreover, 47% of adults aged 15 and above in Meghalaya use tobacco in some form, as per the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (2017).
Recognizing the importance of early prevention, the Meghalaya government initiated the Tobacco Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) program three years ago under the National Health Mission. This program, carried out in collaboration with the Department of Health, Department of Education, and Sambandh Health Foundation, aims to make all schools in the state tobacco-free.
To achieve certification as a Tobacco Free Educational Institution, schools in Meghalaya must score a minimum of 80 marks by completing nine annual anti-tobacco activities as per the ToFEI guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. These activities include installing anti-tobacco signage, organizing awareness campaigns, student-led rallies, and ensuring strict compliance with tobacco control norms to create a safe environment for students.
The success in certifying 86% of schools as Tobacco Free Educational Institutions in Meghalaya is attributed to the coordinated efforts of the government, particularly the Departments of Health and Education, along with officials at district, block, and cluster levels. The state has also adopted Sambandh Health Foundation’s Digital Program Implementation methodology to effectively implement the initiative.
