Tobacco Awareness Campaign
31 May is the World No Tobacco Day (WNTD). This theme of WNTD 2024 is focused on advocating for an end to the targeting of youth with harmful tobacco products. Although cigarette smoking has decreased over the years due to phenomenal efforts by the tobacco control community, more must be done to safeguard these vulnerable groups. The tobacco industry develops products and advertising tactics that appeal to children and adolescents, reaching them through social media and streaming platforms.
On May 31, 2024, the South Asian Institute for Health Promotion (SAIHP) marked World No Tobacco Day with a significant public awareness campaign in the vicinity of Panda Park, Bhubaneswar. The event took place in one of the local slums, aiming to educate residents about the severe health risks associated with tobacco use.
The highlight of the campaign was the speeches from Dr. Dashrathi Das and Dr. Pranab Mohapatra, who have been at the forefront of the fight against tobacco. They discussed the various health repercussions of tobacco consumption, such as its link to cancer and other chronic diseases, and provided insights into overcoming addiction through medical intervention, counselling, and personal self-control practices like meditation.
Adding a cultural dimension to the campaign, local students performed a Nukkad Natak (street play), which vividly depicted the destructive impact of tobacco on individuals and their loved ones. The performance was both educational and emotional, resonating deeply with the audience.
The day concluded with a placard march through the slums, symbolizing the community's collective commitment to combat tobacco use. The march served as a powerful visual statement and also reinforced the community's resolve to adopt healthier lifestyles free from tobacco.
