This day is dedicated to creating awareness of the dangers of smoking. Every 8 seconds , a person dies of a tobacco related disease worldwide. By 2030 it is projected that cigarettes will be responsible for over 10 million deaths annually.
Tobacco has the potential of overtaking HIV / AIDS as a major killer. Tobacco smoking affects the active smoker , non- smokers inhaling the smoke and even the unborn child . More than 20 different diseases are known to be linked to tobacco use.
The tobacco industry generates a lot of money for the government through taxation. However for every coin that comes in, the government loses twice as much through medical expenses , sick leaves and the death of people in tobacco related ailments. Loses are therefore more than the gains.
Suggested activities
- Organize a peaceful street march to protest against smoking.
- Make posters to inform people the dangers of smoking.
- Compose songs, poems and drama to inform people the dangers of smoking
- Invite a medical expert to share with the school/ community about the dangers of smoking
- Find out for more information on the names and symptoms of diseases associated with use of tobacco.
- Write an essay or summary notes on how you celebrated the world No Tobacco Day. Publicise your success on this blog.
For further Information, contact:
Ministry of Health and Sanitation
World Health Organization – Kenya office