Every year on 31st May, World No Tobacco day is organized by WHO to raise awareness about the health risks associated with tobacco use and advocate for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption worldwide.
Tobacco use is a major issue that impacts all communities and impedes the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. It has direct harmful effects on its consumer’s health, but it also affects the country’s economy, environment, women’s health and childhood labour. It is one of the leading causes of cancer and responsible for over 1 crore deaths every year. Smoking among youth remains prevalent with more than 38 million young people aged between 13 and 15 using some form of tobacco. The tobacco industry targets youth for a lifetime of profits, creating a new wave of addiction.
The theme of WNTD 2024, “Protecting children from tobacco industry interference”, is focused on advocating for an end to the targeting of youth with harmful tobacco products.
