Community radios spread tobacco control messages in Kerala

Seeking to drive home the ill effects of tobacco, a number of community radio stations in Kerala have started dedicated transmission of tobacco control messages in between their scheduled programmes.
The initiative, launched considering the need for taking public health communication to the grassroots, is expected to bring tobacco control messages to an estimated two million people of the state, a release said here today.
The transmission, done in the interest of public health, involves multiple repeats of 30-second spots on the harms of tobacco, made available by Tobacco Free Kerala in liaison with World Lung Foundation (WLF).
WLF is the technical partner of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in tobacco control communications.

Kollam-based Radio Benziger, Radio Mattolli operating from Wayanad, Thiruvalla-based Radio Macfast 90.4 FM, Radio DC 90.4 MHz located at KINFRA Film and Video Park here and Kannur-based Janvani 90.8 FM are the community radio services that have taken up the cause of tobacco control, it said.
"Multiple repeats of tobacco control messages that drive home the ill effects of tobacco can promote and prompt change of this dangerous habit. The contribution made by community radio services is much appreciated," Dr Paul Sebastian, Vice Chairman, Tobacco Free Kerala and Director, Regional Cancer Centre said in the release.