World No-Tobacco Day 2024: World No-Tobacco Day is an annual event observed globally to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco consumption and promote tobacco control measures. As per WHO, tobacco use is a major cause of death and disease in India, responsible for an estimated 1.35 million deaths annually. This ‘World No Tobacco Day’ on 31st May, 2024, the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, stands committed to educate and empower future generations to lead tobacco-free lives. We urge all stakeholders and educators to take a pledge to sensitize and… pic.twitter.com/sZMNtdDr23 — Ministry of Education (@EduMinOfIndia) May 30, 2024 It is an annual event observed globally to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco consumption, promote tobacco control measures, educate people about the harmful effects of tobacco on health, encourage smokers to quit and protect non-smokers from second-hand smoke. Here is all you need to know about the history, significance, and key aspects of this annual observance. World No-Tobacco Day 2024: Date and Theme World No Tobacco Day is celebrated annually on May 31st to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use and advocate for effective policies to reduce consumption. In 2024, this year, it will be observed on Friday. The theme for 2024 is "Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference," focusing on preventing the tobacco industry from targeting young people with harmful products and promoting policies that shield them from manipulative practices. The tobacco industry targets youth to sustain its profits, often through lax regulations, advertising tactics, and the rise of e-cigarettes, aiming to educate people about the dangers of tobacco and encourage governments to adopt policies that protect children from tobacco and related industries. World No-Tobacco Day 2024: Origin and Significance World No Tobacco Day, spearheaded by the World Health Organisation (WHO), originated in 1987 with a resolution titled "World No Smoking Day" to encourage tobacco users to quit. The following year, May 31, was designated as World No Tobacco Day, becoming an annual global event. In 1998, the WHO established the Tobacco-Free Initiative (TFI) to address the global health challenges posed by tobacco consumption. By 2008, the WHO used World No Tobacco Day to advocate for a comprehensive ban on all tobacco products and related advertising to combat the influence of tobacco companies targeting vulnerable populations. Through World No Tobacco Day, the WHO raises awareness about the health risks of tobacco use and advocates for stringent measures to protect public health, especially among youth. The ultimate goal is to create a tobacco-free society, free from the harmful impacts of tobacco. This annual event, observed globally on May 31, provides an opportunity for individuals to break free from tobacco consumption.
