Nepal Health Minister Nisha Mehta Urges Citizens to Quit Tobacco on World No-Tobacco Day
Minister for Health and Food Hygiene Nisha Mehta called on the public to stop tobacco use immediately, highlighting the health benefits of quitting and the challenge of overcoming addiction.
Nepal’s Minister for Health and Food Hygiene, Nisha Mehta, has issued a direct appeal to the public to quit tobacco use immediately, marking World No-Tobacco Day in Kathmandu. Her message centered on the health benefits of stopping tobacco consumption and the importance of taking the first step now.
Mehta acknowledged that tobacco addiction can be difficult to overcome, but said it is still possible with firm determination. Her comments framed quitting not as a distant goal, but as an urgent personal and public health priority.
A public health push with a personal message
The minister’s appeal reflects a broader anti-tobacco campaign focused on prevention, behavior change, and long-term health improvement. By linking the message to World No-Tobacco Day, she used one of the year’s most visible global health observances to reinforce the risks of tobacco and the benefits of quitting.
According to the reports, the message was delivered in Kathmandu and urged people to resolve to stop tobacco use from today. The tone was both cautionary and encouraging, recognizing the difficulty of quitting while emphasizing that success is achievable.
Why the message matters
Tobacco remains a major preventable health risk, and government-led awareness campaigns are often used to push cessation and reduce new use. A statement from the health minister can help keep the issue in the public eye and strengthen the case for support services, awareness programs, and smoke-free habits.
Mehta’s background as a nurse and health minister also adds weight to her message, giving the campaign both policy authority and clinical perspective.
What the minister emphasized
Quit immediately: The public was urged to stop using tobacco without delay.
Health benefits: Mehta stressed that quitting brings meaningful health gains.
Determination matters: She noted that addiction is challenging, but not impossible to beat.
World No-Tobacco Day timing: The appeal was tied to a global day of awareness and action.
The message is a reminder that tobacco cessation is not only a personal decision but also a public health priority with wide-ranging benefits for families and communities.