Press Releases

The Meghalaya Tobacco-Free Village Program, designed by NHM-Meghalaya and SHF in February 2024, consists of six annual activities to be undertaken by each VHC. The “Meghalaya Model” draws on recognized global frameworks—WHO FCTC Articles 8, 12, 14, and 16, CDC Best Practices for Comprehensive tobacco control, and established behaviour-change theories (Nudge Theory, Social Norms Theory, Health Belief Model). It informed the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare’s “Standard Operating Procedures for Villages to be Tobacco-Free” which was issued later - in October 2024. Every year, an estimated 8,000 people in Meghalaya die due to tobacco use. Launched in May 2024 following an MoU between NHM Meghalaya and SHF, the TfV program mobilizes VHCs to appoint TfV Nodals who get community resolutions passed & conduct awareness drives. In early 2025, implementation was further strengthened by engaging the Community Gender & Health Activists (CGHAs), a village cadre of the MSRLS, deepening last-mile reach in the two districts