To make the anti–tobacco campaign more effective, government today released two new health spots to be screened during movies and on TV from Gandhi Jayanti whenever smoking scenes are depicted.

Launched under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act (COTPA) rules, the two fresh audio visuals titled 'Child' and 'Dhuan' will replace existing two spots 'Mukesh' and 'Sponge' launched a year ago.

The new health spots mark the completion of five years of implementation of smoke–free laws in the country. The health spots of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare will be dubbed in 16 Indian languages for a pan India coverage.

It is mandatory for cinema halls to prominently display these spots whenever smoking scenes are shown as part of the movie.

Releasing the spots, additional secretary in the Health Ministry C K Mishra said the launch of new spots 'Child' and 'Dhuan' reinforces government's emphasis on the issue of second–hand smoke and implementation of smoke–free policies.

While the narrative at present is more on control on smoking, the Ministry will soon move towards the smokeless form of tobacco, he said, adding that the ban on gutka is a major achievement in the direction of banning use of tobacco.

While the 'Child' campaign focuses on health risks of smoking and second–hand smoke, 'Dhuan' especially models the behavior expected of business managers, advocates, enforcement officials, smokers and non–smokers, the Health Ministry said, adding that the spots have been developed by World Lung Foundation (WLF).

Tobacco use is an emerging health hazard and is the leading cause of death and disease in the world today, which is entirely preventable.

Globally about 6 million people die each year as result of diseases caused by tobacco consumption. If urgent action is not taken, the death toll could rise to more than eight million by 2030.

In India, it is estimated that nearly 8–9 lakh people die every year due to diseases related to tobacco use in India with 5,500 youth starting tobacco use every day.

About 50 per cent of all cancers in males and 25 per cent of all cancers in females can be attributed to tobacco use. It is estimated that about 90 per cent of all the oral cancers are caused due to smokeless tobacco use.