Health Minister J P Nadda today said, number of tobacco users has come down by 81 lakh, and consumption of tobacco among youth has seen a marked decrease. Speaking at a function in New Delhi, Mr Nadda said, India has come a long way in controlling the use of tobacco. He said, tobacco affects the family as a whole, and its control requires a multisectoral approach. The Minister expressed happiness that there has been a 54 per cent reduction in prevalence of tobacco use among minors and 28 per cent reduction among the age group of 18 to 24 years. <br/><br/>The Health Minister was conferred the WHO Director-General's Special Recognition Award for global tobacco control on the occasion. Accepting the award, Mr Nadda said that it is recognition of the collective endeavor of the Ministry, members of NGO, social activists, and civil society organizations.

Health Minister J P Nadda today said, number of tobacco users has come down by 81 lakh, and consumption of tobacco among youth has seen a marked decrease. Speaking at a function in New Delhi, Mr Nadda said, India has come a long way in controlling the use of tobacco. He said, tobacco affects the family as a whole, and its control requires a multisectoral approach. The Minister expressed happiness that there has been a 54 per cent reduction in prevalence of tobacco use among minors and 28 per cent reduction among the age group of 18 to 24 years. <br/><br/>The Health Minister was conferred the WHO Director-General's Special Recognition Award for global tobacco control on the occasion. Accepting the award, Mr Nadda said that it is recognition of the collective endeavor of the Ministry, members of NGO, social activists, and civil society organizations.