The Department of Community Medicine at Amrita School of Medicine, Kochi, has achieved remarkable success with its Kochi Intervention for Tobacco Smoke-Free Homes (KIFT) project. This initiative, aimed at reducing indoor tobacco smoking and second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure among women and children, has reached 10,000 members across 4,526 families, resulting in a notable reduction in smoking habits at home.

In collaboration with Cochin Corporation, local self-government bodies, and the National Health Mission (NHM) in Ernakulam, the project trained ASHA workers to conduct household surveys, sensitization programs, air quality monitoring, lung function testing, and urine cotinine analysis. The project featured health education using flipcharts and the 3 A’s (Ask, Advise, Act), training on the health impacts of smoking and SHS exposure, the formation of children’s groups called “Kuttikootam,” and the distribution of educational materials. Monthly home visits by the ASHA-SHG team reinforced the no-smoking message. Community meetings with local leaders, standing committee members, and testimonials from those who quit smoking, supported by video messages from leading oncologists and cardiologists, further strengthened the initiative.

To commemorate the success of the KIFT project, the Community Medicine Department held a special event inaugurated by Adv. M. Anil Kumar, Honourable Mayor of Cochin Corporation. Dr. Aswathy S., Principal Investigator of KIFT and Professor & HOD, Dept. of Community Medicine, provided a detailed overview of the project. Mr. K.G. Rajesh, Panchayath President of Cheranelloor, expressed gratitude, stating, “We have successfully raised awareness among 17,000 people.”

Dr. Savitha K., Deputy DMO, Ernakulam, highlighted the project’s impact, noting, “There were 677 smokers, and now 600 people have stopped smoking. This is a significant achievement, thanks to the project.”

Other notable attendees included Dr. K.R. Thankappan, Professor & HOD, Dept. of Public Health, Dr. Prathapan Nair, Emeritus Professor & Chief Medical Administrator, Dr. Sudheesh K., Medical Officer, FHC Cheranelloor, and Dr. Sobha George, Additional Professor, Department of Community Medicine. The event featured the screening of a KIFT documentary and the honoring of project staff.

The KIFT project, officially titled “Effectiveness of Tobacco Smoke-Free Home Intervention in Partnership with Women’s Self-Help Groups in the Slums of Kochi Corporation, Kerala: A Cluster Randomized Trial,” aimed to measure the effectiveness of interventions led by women’s self-help groups in reducing indoor tobacco smoking. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the study successfully implemented its interventions and confirmed their effectiveness in creating smoke-free homes.