Every year on May 31, “World No Tobacco Day” is observed around the world to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use. The purpose of this day is to educate people about the diseases and deaths caused by tobacco and to encourage them to quit its use. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco use is one of the leading causes of preventable deaths worldwide. Globally, it is estimated that about 1.3 billion people use tobacco in some form. Most of them belong to low- and middle-income countries where tobacco control laws are weak or ineffective. The situation is alarming in Pakistan as well, where over 20 million people use tobacco products like cigarettes or naswar.
Tobacco smoking is extremely harmful to health. It causes not only lung cancer but also heart diseases, strokes, chronic respiratory diseases, and oral cancer. An estimated 8 million deaths occur every year due to tobacco use worldwide, out of which about 1.2 million people are non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke. In Pakistan alone, more than 100,000 deaths occur annually due to tobacco-related illnesses. The youth are especially vulnerable to addiction, particularly when cigarettes and naswar are cheaply and easily available. The increasing trend of smoking among school and college students signals a potential health crisis.
Quitting smoking may seem difficult, but it is certainly possible. The first step is to be fully aware of its dangers and make a strong commitment to quit. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), counseling, and certain medications can help individuals in this journey. Moreover, encouragement and support from family and friends play a major role in success.
Government-level actions are also essential. Heavy taxes on tobacco products, restrictions on open sales, complete bans on tobacco advertisements, and anti-tobacco campaigns in educational institutions are crucial. If the government and public work together, an effective battle against smoking can be fought. Media, social organizations, and healthcare institutions can play a key role in spreading public awareness. Television, radio, and social media should run continuous campaigns against tobacco so that especially the youth can be protected from this habit. Stories of those who successfully quit smoking can also inspire others.
Finally, World No Tobacco Day reminds us that health is a precious asset, and wasting it is not wise. By quitting smoking, we can not only improve our own lives but also provide a healthier environment for our families, friends, and society. Let us pledge to protect ourselves and others from tobacco use.
