Around 7 million die due to direct tobacco consumption, 1.2 million are estimated to die due to second-hand exposure
TURBAT: World No Tobacco Day is observed on 31st May every year, by the World Health Organisation (WHO), to spread awareness about tobacco consumption and its adverse effects. In order to discourage the consumption of tobacco among the youth, the WHO arranges campaigns annually. This year’s campaign’s theme is focused on “tobacco and lungs’ health” and aims to highlight the impact of tobacco on lungs in particular, by focusing on diseases such as lung cancer and asthma. The campaign also focuses on the effect of second-hand smoking and aims to create awareness regarding it, especially in developing countries.
Tobacco consumption kills over eight million people every year worldwide. Around seven million die due to direct tobacco consumption, and 1.2 million are estimated to die due to second-hand exposure, according to research by the WHO. Given these alarming statistics, I urge our government to arrange campaigns and educational programmes to mark this day, to spread awareness regarding the harmful effects of tobacco. I hope we are soon able to put a complete ban on tobacco and its products.
Qandeel Gulab
Published in The Express Tribune, June 1st, 2019.
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