Bhubaneswar: Odisha has been awarded the second position for its outstanding performance in activities organized during World No Tobacco Day 2024. The recognition was part of a national evaluation conducted by the National Resources Centre for Oral Health and Tobacco Cessation, based at Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, New Delhi, under the aegis of the National Oral Health Programme, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
The structured evaluation considered the state’s efforts in raising awareness and promoting tobacco cessation during World No Tobacco Fortnight, which took place from May 20 to June 5, 2024. Odisha’s strong performance in these activities placed it among the top performers nationwide.
Smt. Aradhana Pattnaik, Additional Secretary and Mission Director of the National Health Mission, felicitated the state with a certificate and citation to honor its achievement. The award was received on behalf of Odisha by Dr. Nilakantha Mishra, Director of Public Health, during a special ceremony.