Quit Tobacco and be a winner – Say no to Tobacco

Today is “World No Tobacco Day”. Every year, the last day of May is celebrated around the world as Anti-Tobacco Day. The aim of the Anti-Tobacco Day is to make people aware of the deadly effects of tobacco and to persuade governments to regulate tobacco products. This year the  “World No Tobacco Day”  is being observed on May 31, the emphasis is on quitting tobacco. “Quit tobacco to be a winner” is the theme of this year.

Smokers, when compared to non-smokers, stand a higher risk of developing severe COVID-19, which is one more reason for one to quit smoking. Tobacco is widely grown in many parts of the world. Tobacco products are a major source of income for the world’s largest monopolies. Millions of dollars are traded in tobacco and tobacco products. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of World Health Organisation (WHO), which has launched “Commit to Quit” tobacco campaign, said, “smokers have up to a 50% higher risk of developing severe disease and death from COVID-19, so quitting is best thing smokers can do to lower their risk from this coronavirus as well as the risk of developing cancer, heart disease and respiratory illnesses”.

Consuming tobacco can also affect people who inhale tobacco smoke. Today, around five million of the world population, die from tobacco – related diseases. Tobacco use causes cancer and heart diseases. It affects the lungs leading to paralysis and other nerve diseases.