World No Tobacco Day 2022: Commit to quit this dangerous global threat to humanity
By Elkanah Nyauma
WHO
The World No Tobacco Day 2022 is here. This year’s theme is “Protect The Environment”. As per the World Health Organization, the harmful effects of tobacco on the environment is great and speedily growing.
This is therefore putting unnecessary pressure to our planet’s already inadequate resources and weak ecosystems.
Created in the year 1987, the World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) was an initiative of all WHO member states following the Resolution WHA42.19 passed by the World Health Assembly in 1988.
This day’s focus is to create awareness among people on the negative effects of the substance. The World, courtesy of the World Health Organization (WHO) observes a 24-hour day of self-restraint from tobacco on the 31st of May every year.
Some facts about tobacco, according to WHO
- 600,000,000 trees chopped down to make cigarettes
- 84,000,000 tonnes of carbon-dioxide (CO2) emissions released into the air raising global temperatures
- 22,000,000,000 tonnes of water used to make cigarettes
Celebrating SDG #3
Approximately 8 million people worldwide die each year because of tobacco according to the United Organisation, UN.
The world no tobacco celebration is therefore aimed in encouraging tobacco users worldwide to refrain from using tobacco products for 24 hours and hopefully provide assistance for those trying to quit.
Additionally, it informs the public of the harmful effects of tobacco use and second-hand smoke exposure.
The day is also meant to share what the world is doing to fight the tobacco epidemic. It also educates people worldwide to claim their right to health and healthy living and to protect future generations.
Tobacco destroys the environment, further affecting human health, from cultivation to its consumption, and post-consumer waste.
Tobacco also attracts and affects the lives of younger generations. Flavours appealing to children in smokeless tobacco, and e-cigarettes are examples of how they are lured into the tobacco trap.
Advertising and product placement on tv-shows and movies are other ways.
Social media platforms with paid influencers also encourages young people join the tobacco club.
So the World No Tobacco Day provides a great opportunity to remind people just how dangerous tobacco is.
Created in the year 1987, the World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) was an initiative of all WHO member states following the Resolution WHA42.19 passed by the World Health Assembly in 1988.
