World No Tobacco Day is a major annual event celebrated on May 31 by the World Health Organization (WHO) and its purpose is to raise awareness about the consequences of tobacco use and encourage people to quit smoking. Read more to know why May 31 is celebrated and its importance.
Why is World No Tobacco Day celebrated on May 31?
According to the WHO website “In 1987, the World Health Assembly passed Resolution WHA40.38, calling for April 7, 1988, to be a “world no-smoking day.” In 1988, Resolution WHA42.19 was passed, calling for the celebration of World No Tobacco Day each year on May 31.”
This important event was established by WHO Member States in 1987 with the aim of drawing global attention to the plague of tobacco and preventing the death and disease it causes. Since its inception, the event has gone global with millions of people participating each year.
World No Tobacco Day is an opportunity to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and is also a time to call on governments to take action and reduce its use. The government can take necessary measures, such as increasing taxes on tobacco products and banning smoking in public places.
READ| World No Tobacco Day 2023: date, campaign theme, history, meaning, facts and more
What is the theme of World No Tobacco Day 2023?
This year, the WHO has decided to highlight the adverse effects of tobacco on both the planet and human health. The theme of World No Tobacco Day 2023 is “We need food, not tobacco.”
This topic highlights the environmental impact of tobacco production and consumption. Tobacco farming is a major contributor to deforestation, water pollution and air pollution. It also produces a significant amount of waste, including cigarette butts, which are a major source of litter.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that 349 million people in 79 countries suffer from acute food insecurity. Many of these people are in low- and middle-income countries, and most live in Africa.
The WHO also mentioned that many of these countries use fertile lands to grow tobacco. Tobacco cultivation has a negative economic impact in these countries.
Tobacco production continually causes health problems among farmers and agricultural workers. It also leads to irreversible environmental loss of precious resources such as water sources, forests, plants and animal species.
What is the meaning of World No Tobacco Day?
World No Tobacco Day serves as an important reminder of the devastating impacts of tobacco on health and the environment. Its goal is to encourage smokers to quit smoking and prevent younger generations from starting it.
Tobacco consumption is one of the main causes of preventable death in the world. The WHO mentions that it kills more than 8 million people every year. Apart from that, tobacco is the main cause of many health-related problems such as heart diseases, cancer, lung diseases and strokes.
The tobacco industry is aware of the impacts of its products, but has done little to reduce them. That is why World No Tobacco Day is of great importance to help people quit the habit.
World No Tobacco Day plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion and saving lives. Through continued efforts, education and awareness, this event marks a collective commitment to reduce suffering from tobacco-related diseases and create a better, healthier world for future generations.
In conclusion, this important event is celebrated every year on May 31 to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco consumption and supports the decision to implement effective policies that reduce tobacco consumption.
Source: World Health Organization (WHO)
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Source: ptivs2.edu.vn