Every year, we commemorate World No Tobacco Day. The day’s goal is to raise awareness about the hazards of tobacco use, tobacco firms’ business methods, and what people throughout the world can do to assert their right to health and healthy living while also protecting future generations.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 37 million youngsters aged 13 to 15 use tobacco worldwide. The day is part of the World Health Organization’s global push to eradicate tobacco consumption. Continue reading to learn more about World No Tobacco Day’s date, subject, history, and significance.
World No Tobacco Day Date and Theme
World No Tobacco Day is observed on May 31 every year. According to WHO, the theme of World No Tobacco Day this year is “Bright products. Dark intentions. Unmasking the Appeal”. It further says, “Appealing flavours, but hidden dangers.
Shameless manipulation of our children, for industry profit. Every day, tobacco and nicotine industries use carefully engineered products and deceptive tactics to hook a new generation of users and keep existing ones. Keep the industry out.”
World No Tobacco Day History and Significance
The World Health Organization created this day in 1987. The day’s goal is to raise awareness about the negative consequences of tobacco usage and to advocate for measures that minimize tobacco consumption. The first official observance was in 1988.
The day provides a strong platform for public health education. Tobacco use is a primary cause of preventable death worldwide, accounting for more than 8 million deaths per year. The day encourages governments, organisations, and individuals to promote tobacco cessation and protect future generations from the health, economic, and environmental consequences of tobacco use.
Every year, WHO chooses a topic to emphasize specific challenges related to tobacco use. These themes have covered issues such as tobacco promotion, the influence on youngsters, and the environmental damage caused by tobacco farming and waste.