National Poison Prevention Day 2026: First School Awareness Programme
Theme: A Prosperous Poison-Free Future
Venue: Navatkuli Maha Vidyalayam, Navatkuli, Kaithady, Jaffna
Date: 10 th July 2026
Time: 11.30 a.m. – 2.00 p.m.
In accordance with the BSMS Programme Academic Calendar (2023/2024), the first school awareness programme in commemoration of National Poison Prevention Day 2026 was successfully conducted under the theme “A Prosperous Poison-Free Future” at Navatkuli Maha Vidyalayam, Navatkuli, Kaithady, Jaffna, on 10 th July 2026 from 11.30 a.m. to 2.00 p.m.
Prior approval for the programme was obtained from the Faculty Board. Approval was subsequently granted by the Thenmarachchi Zonal Director of Education through the Dean, Faculty of Siddha Medicine, and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jaffna. A programme flyer was designed and circulated among the school staff, students, Dean, heads of the Departments, Academic staff and third BSMS students in advance of the event.
The programme was organized by the Department of Nanjiyal and Paramparai Maruthuvam, Faculty of Siddha Medicine, University of Jaffna, and was conducted with the active participation of the third-year BSMS students. Approximately 150 participants, including Grade 10, and 11 students, school teachers, third-year BSMS students, academic staff, and non-academic staff of the Department, attended the
programme.
The event commenced with the Welcome Address delivered by a third-year BSMS student, followed by the Presidential Address by Dr. (Ms.) V. Sanmugarajah, Head of the Department of Nanjiyal and Paramparai Maruthuvam. The Principal of Navatkuli Maha Vidyalayam then delivered the Special Address, emphasizing the importance of poison prevention awareness among school children.
An awareness talk entitled "Toxic Adulterants Found in Food Items and Their Harmful Effects" was delivered by Dr. (Ms.) M. N. Roshana, Senior Lecturer Grade II, Department of Nanjiyal and Paramparai Maruthuvam. The lecture highlighted common toxic adulterants found in food and their potential health consequences.
To enhance student engagement, the third-year BSMS students presented a role play consisting of several scenes on the theme “From Essential Goods to Cosmetics: Hidden Toxicity and Health Risks” The performance effectively demonstrated the potential health hazards associated with toxic substances present in everyday products. In addition, a third BSMS student recited a poem entitled “Intoxication is
Poison” conveying an important message on poison prevention through creative expression.
An interactive quiz competition was subsequently conducted by the third-year BSMS students. Two teams, each consisting of five school students, competed in three rounds covering topics related to poison prevention and safe practices. Prizes were awarded to the winning team, while consolation prizes were also presented to the other team to encourage active participation and learning.
During the programme, feedback forms were distributed and collected from the participating school students to evaluate the effectiveness of the awareness session. Educational leaflets containing information on poison prevention, first-aid measures, and important contact numbers for poison information and emergency assistance were also distributed to all participants.
The programme concluded with the Vote of Thanks delivered by Mr. V. Koshikan, Temporary Demonstrator, Department of Nanjiyal and Paramparai Maruthuvam. The awareness programme was successfully completed at approximately 2.00 p.m.
The programme successfully enhanced students' awareness of poison prevention and safe health practices through informative and interactive educational activities. Feedback collected from the participants indicated a high level of satisfaction, with 97.73% of the students expressing overall satisfaction with the programme and recommending that similar awareness programmes be conducted in the future.
