World No Tobacco Day

Held annually on May 31, WNTD was originally formed by a World Health Assembly Resolution in 1988 at US. It is the only global event which calls attention to tobacco use and its impact on public health as well as tobacco-dependence.

The Coalition for WNTD was formed to raise awareness of 'World No Tobacco Day' by calling attention to the human and economic tolls of the worldwide tobacco epidemic and improve public health by encouraging people not to use tobacco and assisting users to quit.

At present, approximately 1.1 billion people around the world smoke. This includes manufactured cigarettes as well as other forms. Of these 1.1 billion smokers, around 3.5 million die every year as a result of tobacco-related illnesses. This equals 10,000 deaths per day around the world. It is also predicted that tobacco will be the leading cause of death and disability by the year 2020.

The governments and other non governmental organizations (NGO's) play a key role in restricting the use of tobacco. They should show real commitment to increase awareness among the public, especially among youth in order to reduce the health and economic hazards of tobacco. It is very important that the social barriers be penetrated and all sections of the society are made aware of the evils of tobacco.

Recently, The Public Health Department of Dubai Municipality issued a circular to many shopping malls in Dubai on designating specific areas for smokers.

The Public Health Department and the Environmental Department of the civic body are working together on drafting a wide-ranging law to help maintain a healthy environment for the residents of Dubai. The Public Health and Environmental draft law covers a number of issues which also addresses the issue of smoking in public places.

According to WHO, for every eight smokers who die from tobacco-related illnesses, one nonsmoker dies from exposure to secondhand smoke.

While the damaging effects of tobacco use remain obvious, it has also become clear that even non-users of this substance can experience problems. More and more people are being affected every day.
Challenge yourself and others to pledge not to use this dangerous substance.