Every 31st of May, the World Health Organization (WHO) together with its global partners observe World No Tobacco Day (WNTD). This annual affair is aimed at elevating public consciousness regarding the lethal effects of tobacco consumption and exposure to second-hand smoke. The campaign also aims to deter individuals from using tobacco in any form.
World No Tobacco Day 2020: #TobaccoExposed
The focus for 2020’s World No Tobacco Day was #TobaccoExposed. This theme concentrates on shielding young people from the industry’s misleading tactics and helping prevent them from using tobacco and nicotine. This focus is especially crucial today as numerous studies indicate that smokers are more susceptible to severe COVID-19 infection.
Tobacco Use: A Principal Cause of Cancer
Tobacco use is recognized as a prime cause of cancer and a major cause of cancer-related deaths. It can cause various types of cancer, including those affecting the lung, larynx (voice box), mouth, esophagus, throat, bladder, kidney, among others.
A Decline in Global Tobacco Consumption
A report by WHO notes a decrease in worldwide tobacco consumption and the number of individuals using it. The report projects that by 2020, there will be 10 million fewer tobacco users than in 2018, and this figure is expected to decrease by another 27 million by 2025, totaling 1.299 billion.
In India, the rate of tobacco usage—combining both male and female consumers—was 44% in 2000, and it is projected to nearly halve to 22.3% by 2025. On a global scale, the usage rate was 33.3% in 2000 and is predicted to decrease to 20.9% by 2025.
Measures for Tobacco Control
WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)
The FCTC, the pioneer international treaty negotiated under WHO, was adopted by the World Health Assembly on 21 May 2003 and came into force on 27 February 2005. The measures advocated by the FCTC to combat tobacco usage include pricing and tax strategies, graphic warnings on tobacco packages, making public spaces 100% smoke-free, prohibiting tobacco marketing, providing support to smokers wishing to quit, and preventing interference from the tobacco industry.
mCessation Programme
The mCessation Programme is an initiative utilizing mobile technology to assist people to quit using tobacco. India launched its version of mCessation in 2016 as part of its Digital India initiative. The program uses two-way messaging between the person seeking to quit tobacco and programme specialists who provide dynamic support.