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May 31 -Anti-tobacco Day
Anti-Tobacco Day or World No Tobacco Day is observed on May 31 each year. Governments and non-governmental organizations unite to draw attention to the dangerous health problems that tobacco use can cause. Attempts are made to inform people of health problems associated with tobacco use. Various activities are launched in many parts of the world to raise awareness against the use of tobacco. The use of tobacco can cause havoc in people’s lives. It has consumed millions of lives all across the world. The situation is quite grim in developing countries where a large majority of the population is addicted to tobacco. Advertising campaigns and educational programs are run by governmental and non-governmental organizations against tobacco use. Marches and demonstrations are held by the non-smokers.
In many parts of the world, governments have banned consumption of tobacco and smoking in public places. People found breaking the law will be fined or sent to prison. Volunteers also make an effort to stop addicted people from smoking. Print, electronic and online campaigns are launched against tobacco on World No Tobacco Day.
Despite the problems caused by use of tobacco, the number of people consuming this poison has kept on increasing. Tobacco use causes several diseases including heart attacks, strokes, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), emphysema and other forms of cancer. Tobacco is found in hand rolling tobacco, snuff, chewing tobacco, cigarettes and cigars, Bidis and kreteks, gutka and snus etc.
The increasing menace of tobacco use made the World Health Organization pass a resolution on May 15, 1987. The resolution called for April 7, 1988, to be the first World No Smoking Day. However, later on the date was changed to May 31 to be annually known as World No Tobacco Day. The purpose of this day is to increase public awareness regarding hazards of tobacco use and abuse. Efforts are made to inform the public about WHO initiatives against tobacco use and the business strategies of tobacco industry and trade.
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