The Department of Community Medicine, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi Municipal Corporation and National Health Mission, Ernakulum, are jointly conducting a project named KIFT 2021-2022 (Kochi Intervention for Tobacco Smoking Cessation and Smoke Free Homes).
This is a public health initiative aimed to make homes of Kochi Municipal Corporation free from tobacco smoke. The official inauguration of the project was done by Adv. M. Anilkumar (Mayor, Kochi Municipal Corporation) at Pallathuraman Hall, Veli on March 9, 2021. In his inaugural speech, the mayor emphasized on the social impact of tobacco smoking and the importance of collective action against it. He added that the focus of the corporation is to convert Kochi to a ‘city of happiness’ with the help of various social and health organizations. The event was presided by the Deputy Mayor, Ms. K.A. Anciya. “Exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) is a major concern in the lives of young children and women. A majority of the population especially women suffer due to indoor air pollution. Therefore, a person`s home is undoubtedly the most important place to keep as a tobacco smoke-free zone, for family should be the prime priority” said Dr. Aswathy S. (Professor of Community Medicine, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences & PI for the KIFT Project). Dr. Beena K. V. (Additional Medical Superintendent, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences), Ms. Sheeba Lal, Adv. Priya Prasanth, Mr. Sanalmon J. (Standing Committee Chairpersons), Ms. Nisha Chandran, Ms. Mini Joshy, Ms. Bindhu Biju (Kudumbasree Chairpersons), Dr. Chithra V. R., Dr. Savitha (Deputy DMO), Dr. Sreelakshmi Mohandas (AMO, AUHC) also participated.
The program highlights the need for smoking cessation in homes. The development and implementation of Tobacco Smoke Free Homes as a new social norm is the need of the hour.
