The WHO estimates that secondhand smoke contributes to more than 8 lakh deaths each year among non-smokers. (Image: Shutterstock)
The annual celebration of World No Tobacco Day aims to drive progress towards a smoke-free future.
World No Tobacco Day is celebrated on May 31 to inform the public about the health dangers of tobacco use. According to World Health Organization (WHO) estimates, tobacco kills more than 8 million people each year, making it the leading cause of preventable deaths. Tobacco is extracted from the dried leaves of the Nicotiana plant, which contain the stimulant nicotine. The leaves are processed and used for smoking, chewing, or as a component of certain products such as cigars, cigarettes, and smokeless tobacco. Tobacco, regardless of its form, is very addictive.
World No Tobacco Day 2024: Theme
The theme of World No Tobacco Day (WNDD) 2024 is “Protecting children from tobacco industry interference”.
World No Tobacco Day 2024: History
In 1987, WHO member states marked April 7 as World No Tobacco Day. However, recognizing the importance of raising awareness of all tobacco-related issues, the WHO World Health Assembly passed a resolution in 1988 to celebrate World No Tobacco Day on May 31.
Since then, the WHO and its member states celebrate World No Tobacco Day annually. The day serves as a global platform to raise awareness about the harmful health effects of tobacco and exploitation by the nicotine industry, especially among young people. The day also aims to offer support to people in their efforts to kick tobacco addiction.
World No Tobacco Day 2024: Importance
- Spread awarenessThe goal of the day is to inform people about a wide range of health risks from tobacco use, including heart disease, lung cancer, digestive problems, oral cancer, cataracts, macular degeneration and respiratory diseases.
- Protect yourself from secondhand smokeSecondhand smoke remains a threat to non-smokers. The WHO estimates that secondhand smoke contributes to more than 8 lakh deaths each year among non-smokers.
- Tackling the environmental damage of the tobacco industryTobacco requires intensive use of fertilizers and pesticides, which pollute waterways. Tobacco manufacturing generates more than two million tonnes of solid waste each year, while cigarette butts account for 30 to 40 percent of all litter collected in coastal and urban cleanups.
Tips to Protect Children from Tobacco Industry Interference
- To be informedEducate children about the tricks used by the tobacco industry to manipulate and attack them.
- Promote healthy optionsEncourage young people to make healthy choices and resist the lure of tobacco products.
- Advocate for changeJoin the global movement to advocate for stronger policies to limit nicotine products.
- Participate in community effortsParticipate in efforts to raise awareness about the health dangers of tobacco use and encourage anti-addiction programs.
