World No Tobacco Day 2023: Uniting for a Smoke-Free World
Every year on May 31st, the world comes together to observe World No Tobacco Day , an initiative led by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco and advocate for effective tobacco control policies. This annual event serves as a crucial reminder of the devastating impact of tobacco on public health and the urgent need for concerted efforts to combat tobacco use worldwide. The Global Tobacco Epidemic Tobacco use remains one of the leading causes of preventable deaths globally. It claims the lives of more than 8 million people each year, with over 7 million of those deaths attributed to direct tobacco use, and around 1.2 million caused by non-smokers being exposed to secondhand smoke. Furthermore, the economic burden of tobacco-related diseases is staggering, costing both individuals and societies billions of dollars in healthcare expenses and lost productivity. Health Risks and Impact on Individuals Tobacco consumption is linked to a m...