Grow Food Not Tobacco

World No Tobacco Day is an annual event celebrated on May 31st to bring global attention to the dangers of using tobacco and raise public awareness. Its purpose is to educate people worldwide about their right to health and well-being while safeguarding future generations. The World Health Organization (WHO) established this observance in 1987.

Tobacco and smoking contribute to various diseases, including strokes, heart attacks, lung disorders, and multiple organ cancers affecting the mouth, throat, lungs, pancreas, bladder, kidneys, liver, and stomach.

According to WHO, tobacco can also be deadly for non-smokers. Second-hand smoke exposure is linked to adverse health outcomes, causing 1.2 million deaths annually. Nearly half of all children breathe air polluted by tobacco smoke, and 65,000 children die each year due to illnesses related to second-hand smoke. Smoking during pregnancy can lead to lifelong health conditions for babies.

This year’s theme aims to encourage farmers to cultivate sustainable and nutritious crops while exposing the tobacco industry’s attempts to hinder the substitution of tobacco growing with sustainable crops.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a major consequence of tobacco use. It is a chronic lung disease that causes breathing difficulties and is largely preventable. Smoking is the primary cause of COPD, and quitting smoking is the best preventive measure. World No Tobacco Day raises awareness about COPD, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

Lung cancer is another significant health consequence of tobacco use, with smoking accounting for 85% of all cases. Secondhand smoke exposure also increases the risk of lung cancer. World No Tobacco Day plays a crucial role in raising awareness about lung cancer and promoting preventive measures such as avoiding tobacco and secondhand smoke exposure.

In summary, World No Tobacco Day significantly impacts public health by raising awareness about the dangers of smoking and its associated health consequences, including COPD and lung cancer. The day encourages measures to prevent tobacco use and supports policies and programs to help people quit smoking.

These efforts contribute to the broader goal of reducing the global burden of tobacco-related diseases.