World No Tobacco Day, celebrated each year on May 31st, serves as a vital global health awareness occasion led by the World Health Organization (WHO). This day acts as a strong reminder of the harmful effects of tobacco use and galvanizes worldwide initiatives to decrease its use.
Significance
World No Tobacco Day is significant because it consistently highlights the avoidable deaths and illnesses resulting from tobacco use. Tobacco-related diseases result in over 8 million global deaths annually, making it a leading cause of preventable death worldwide.
The day promotes strong public health strategies, tighter controls on tobacco products, and extensive awareness initiatives to enable individuals to stop and safeguard future generations from this harmful addiction. It emphasizes the clear connection between tobacco consumption and numerous non-communicable illnesses, such as different forms of cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory issues, and stroke.
History in India
India has a complex history with tobacco, dating back centuries, with conventional smoking practices like 'dhumrapana.' The modern tobacco industry developed in the 17th century, leading to substantial health issues as India is the second-largest producer and consumer of tobacco.
The nation faces challenges from both smoking and smokeless tobacco forms like bidis, cigarettes, and chewing tobacco (khaini, gutka, betel quid). Regulatory efforts began with the Cigarettes (Regulation of Production, Supply and Distribution) Act of 1975, which mandated health warnings.
The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act of 2003 (COTPA) further restricted advertising and sales to minors and banned smoking in public areas. India ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in 2004 and launched the National Tobacco Control Programme in 2007-08 to promote awareness and provide cessation support. Measures like pictorial warnings on tobacco products reflect ongoing efforts, but continued vigilance and enforcement are necessary for a tobacco-free India.
Theme For Year 2025
For 2025, the concept, “Bright products. Dark intentions. Unmasking the Appeal," seeks to reveal the misleading marketing tactics utilized by the tobacco industry, especially those aimed at young people through appealing packaging and alluring flavors.
