7th June 2023, Mumbai: : NIIMS Marks World No Tobacco Day: Spreading Awareness and Empowering Communities to Combat the Tobacco Epidemic
On May 31 each year, the world comes together to observe World No Tobacco Day, a significant event aimed at raising awareness about the perils of tobacco use and its detrimental impact on health. This year, NIIMS took part in the commemoration, hosting a special gathering at the Rural Health and Training Centre, Javar PHC.
The event saw MBBS students from NIIMS presenting informative posters that shed light on various tobacco use behaviors, associated health risks, and the legislative measures in place to control tobacco consumption. The primary objective was to enhance public consciousness regarding the hazardous effects of tobacco use on health.
Dr. Ranjana Singh, the Head of the Community Medicine Division at Noida International Institute of Medical Sciences, graced the occasion, emphasizing the significance of World No Tobacco Day. She underscored the diseases and mortality rates linked to tobacco use, while also sharing strategies to combat the tobacco epidemic effectively. Accompanying her were esteemed professionals, including Dr. Sharfe Jaya, MOAIC, Javar PHC, and Dr. Abhishek Gop, Assistant Professor at NIIMS, who shared their expertise on the subject matter.
The consumption of tobacco not only endangers individuals but also poses a severe threat to community health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco use claims the lives of over 8 million people annually, with 7 million directly attributed to tobacco-related causes and over 1 million fatalities resulting from secondhand smoke exposure among non-smokers.
World No Tobacco Day serves as a vital platform for organizations and healthcare experts to raise public awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use and motivate individuals to quit altogether. The event at Javar PHC provided students and professionals with a unique opportunity to engage with the public, enlighten them about the dangers of tobacco use, and inspire healthier lifestyles.
Implementing stringent regulations, supporting smoking cessation programs, and advocating for tobacco control laws are crucial steps in curbing tobacco usage. The event’s purpose was to educate individuals and empower them to make informed decisions about their well-being by disseminating information through activities like poster presentations.
World No Tobacco Day serves as a reminder that addressing the global tobacco epidemic requires concerted efforts. It is a collective call to action for individuals, communities, and governments to collaborate in combating tobacco-related diseases and strive towards a healthier future.