Bhubaneswar, June 05, 2024: The leading steel maker ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) under its
health initiative “Aarogya”, organised awareness sessions across villages in Paradeep and Barbil area to mark
World No Tobacco Day. The theme this year was "Protecting children from tobacco industry interference”, in
alignment with World Health Organisation (WHO). It highlights the critical need to safeguard young people from
the harmful influences of tobacco.
An awareness session was conducted in Phulbelari village of Paradeep , engaging Anganwadi workers, ANM
workers, paramedical staff, and SHG members. Dr. Niranjan Dwivedi of AM/NS India led the session, discussing
the heightened risks of heart attack, stroke, and narrowed blood vessels associated with tobacco use. He also
highlighted other severe health consequences such as reduced fertility, pregnancy complications, weakened
immune system, oral cancer, gum disease, and tooth loss. Dr. Dwivedi emphasized that quitting tobacco is
possible through strong determination, mental willingness, and continuous counselling.
Similarly, in Sagasahi of Barbil, over 80 community members, including truck drivers and labourers attended an
awareness event on World No Tobacco Day. The session featured addresses by Shri Pramod Mishra, Head of
Health and Safety, Mines, AM/NS India and Shri Satyakama Das, Mines Manager, Sagasahi, AM/NS India and Dr.
Parameswar Sethi, Medical Officer at the Community Health Dispensary in Kalmang village focusing on the
dangers of tobacco and the benefits of quitting. Participants took a pledge to lead a tobacco-free life, reaffirming
their commitment to fostering a healthier community.
In Dalki village, Thakurani, another awareness session was organised where women from the community
expressed their concerns about the rising tobacco habits among children and the challenges posed by addiction.
AM/NS India is committed to creating a healthy community and drives various initiatives such as Medical Mobile
Units, health camps, ambulance support, disease prevention drive, development of sanitation units as part of its
health initiatives in Odisha.