World No-Tobacco Day 2024: Theme, History, Significance and Tips to Protect Children

May 31 is observed as World No Tobacco Day to inform the public about the health hazards of using tobacco. As per estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco kills more than 8 million people each year, which makes it the leading cause of preventable deaths. Tobacco is extracted from the dried leaves of a Nicotiana plant, which contain the stimulant nicotine. The leaves are processed and used for smoking, chewing, or as a component of certain products like cigars, cigarettes and smokeless tobacco. Tobacco, regardless of the form, is highly addictive.

World No Tobacco Day 2024: Theme

The theme for World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) 2024 is “Protecting children from tobacco industry interference”.

World No-Tobacco Day 2024: History

In 1987, member states of the WHO marked April 7 as World No-Smoking Day. However, recognising the significance of raising awareness about all tobacco-related issues, the World Health Assembly of WHO passed a resolution in 1988 to observe World No Tobacco Day on May 31.

Since then, World No Tobacco Day has been observed annually by the WHO and its member states. The day serves as a global platform to build awareness of tobacco’s detrimental health effects and exploitation by the nicotine industry, especially among youth. The day also aims to offer support to individuals in their efforts to quit tobacco addiction.

World No-Tobacco Day 2024: Significance

1. Spreading AwarenessThe purpose of the day is to inform people about wide-ranging health hazards of tobacco usage such as heart disease, lung cancer, digestive problems, oral cancer, cataracts, macular degeneration and respiratory ailments.
2. Protecting from second-hand SmokeSecond-hand smoke remains a threat to non-smokers. WHO estimates that second-hand smoke contributes to over 8 lakh deaths each year among non-smokers.
3. Confronting the Tobacco Industry’s Environmental DamageTobacco requires extensive fertilisers and pesticide use, which pollutes waterways. Tobacco manufacturing causes over two million tonnes of solid waste each year, whereas cigarette butts account for about 30 to 40 per cent of all litter collected in coastal and urban clean-ups.

Tips To Protect Children From Tobacco Industry Interference

1. Be InformedEducate children about the gimmicks used by the tobacco industry to manipulate and target them.
2. Promote Healthy ChoicesEncourage youths to make healthy choices and resist the pull of tobacco products.
3. Advocate for ChangeJoin the global movement to advocate stronger policies to limit nicotine products.
4. Engage in Community EffortsParticipate in efforts to raise awareness about the health hazards of tobacco use and encourage de-addiction programmes.