World No Tobacco Day 2024: Raising Awareness on Health Risks
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | World No Tobacco Day |
| Date | Observed annually on 31st May |
| Objective | Raise awareness about health risks of tobacco and advocate for policies to reduce its use |
| Key Health Risks | Heart disease, stroke, cancer, respiratory illnesses |
| Public Health Impact | Major contributor to preventable deaths and healthcare burden globally |
| History | - WHO resolution (WHA40.38) in 1987 declared April 7, 1988, as first "World No-Smoking Day" |
| - Resolution WHA42.19 in 1988 established World No Tobacco Day on May 31 | |
| 2024 Theme | "Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference" |
| Negative Effects | 1. Lung Cancer: Carcinogens in tobacco cause DNA damage and mutations |
| 2. Heart Disease: Chemicals damage blood vessels, leading to atherosclerosis | |
| 3. Stroke: Increased blood pressure and clot formation block blood flow to the brain | |
| 4. Respiratory Infections: Impaired immune system and damaged airways increase susceptibility | |
| 5. Type 2 Diabetes: Raises insulin resistance and blood sugar regulation issues |