World No Tobacco Day 2024: Our Children, Our Future Without Tobacco

Every year on May 31st, we commemorate World No Tobacco Day to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use and to encourage people to quit smoking. This year, the theme for World No Tobacco Day is "Our Children, Our Future Without Tobacco."

Tobacco use remains one of the leading preventable causes of death globally, claiming millions of lives each year.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco kills more than 8 million people annually, of which over 7 million are due to direct tobacco use and around 1.2 million are due to second-hand smoke exposure.

"Our Children, Our Future Without Tobacco"

This year's theme emphasizes the importance of protecting children and young people from the dangers of tobacco smoke and nicotine addiction.

Children and young people are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of tobacco because their bodies and brains are still developing.

Tobacco use during adolescence can lead to a range of health problems including respiratory issues, increased risk of cancer, and cardiovascular disease later in life.
Adolescent tobacco use also increases the likelihood of continued tobacco use into adulthood and can lead to lifelong addiction.

It is important for parents, educators, and policymakers to work together to create a tobacco-free environment for children and young people.

This means implementing comprehensive tobacco control policies, including smoke-free laws, restrictions on tobacco advertising, and access to cessation services.
By working together, we can create a smoke-free future for our children and generations to come.

How You Can Help

There are many ways to get involved in World No Tobacco Day and help create a tobacco-free future for our children.

Here are a few things you can do:

* Educate yourself about the dangers of tobacco use and share this information with others.

* Quit smoking or using tobacco products if you do.

* Support smoke-free laws and policies in your community.

* Talk to your children about the dangers of tobacco use.

* Be a role model for your children and others by living a tobacco-free life.

World No Tobacco Day is an important opportunity to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and to encourage people to quit smoking.

By working together, we can create a smoke-free future for our children and for generations to come.