Are you a smoker who just cannot quit smoking even when the world is in the killer grip of COVID-19 – a deadly respiratory disorder? Everyone wants to have a strong immune system and a non-compromised respiratory system in the face of this deadly virus – so why do you want to continue throwing yourself in the lap of anger!
Tobacco causes over eight million deaths every year. Evidence released this year shows that smokers were more likely to develop severe disease with COVID-19 compared to non-smokers.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to millions of tobacco users saying they want to quit. ‘Commit to quit today and sign the pledge,’ says the World Health Organization (WHO) on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day – May 31. If you want to secure yourself, take up the pledge and walk towards a smoke-free future.
On this day, the WHO, together with governments and NGOs, holds an international campaign to raise awareness with the public about the dangers of smoking. It also shows how to quit smoking and live a healthy life, and how together we can make the world into a tobacco-free place. On this day, the WHO encourages smokers to go tobacco-free for 24-hours, in an effort to make every day a no tobacco day.
History of World No Tobacco Day
In 1987, member states of the WHO discussed the idea of creating an international day to bring public awareness to the tobacco epidemic. It also discussed how smoking is the cause of many preventable diseases and deaths. A resolution was passed in favour of such a day, and the first World No Tobacco Day was held on April 7, 1988. Later that year, another resolution was passed, establishing that World Tobacco Day must be observed every year on May 31 st.
This holiday has been observed ever since, and it has grown in popularity, with governments, non-governmental organisations, health groups, and communities joining in on the efforts and hosting their own anti-smoking campaigns and events, to reach out to people and teach them about the benefits of quitting tobacco and living smoke-free.
Every year, a different theme highlights the dangers of smoking, and anti-tobacco campaigns revolve around that theme. Some World No Tobacco Day themes have included:
2017 – Tobacco: a threat to development.
2018 – Tobacco and heart disease.
2019 – Tobacco and lung health.
2020 – Tobacco Exposed: The Secret’s Out.
The World No Tobacco Day theme for 2021 is ‘Commit to Quit’.
Why do we celebrate World No Tobacco Day?
Smoking is a danger that not only affects smokers, but those around them and the environment. On World No Tobacco Day the WHO raises awareness about all those dangers. WHO also provides resources to help them quit smoking, and introduces laws to regulate the tobacco industry.
Smoking is one of the world’s most preventable causes of disease and death. However, over 6 million people still die from tobacco use every year. It is also estimated that 600,000 people lose their lives every year due to second-hand smoke. At the same time, studies show that 80% of these deaths occur in low and middle-income households. With the average smoker spending around $4,000 on tobacco every year, this shows how tobacco contributes to perpetuating poverty.
How to celebrate World No Tobacco Day
Join in on the effort to reduce the consumption of tobacco in the world by spreading information and educating others about the dangers of smoking. Sign petitions for sticker laws and join protests to advocate for banning smoking in public places. If you’re a smoker, check one of the many resources available to help you quit smoking.
