Latest news with #WNTD
The Citizen
a day ago
- Health
- The Citizen
Youth call for tobacco-free society
Pretoria youth have called for an end to the widespread use of vapes and hookah among their peers. The call was made in the spirit of World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) recognised globally on May 31. Tobacco control advocate and activist, Lesego Mateme (27) said: 'Peer pressure and the assumption that nicotine products are less harmful than traditional cigarettes are the reason why youth have fallen into the trap'. Mateme is part of the South African Tobacco-Free Youth Forum (SATFYF), based in Centurion. He said the rates of young people using nicotine products have significantly increased, with hookah pipes (also known as hubbly-bubbly) and e-cigarettes contributing to this spike. 'Interestingly, fewer and fewer young people use traditional cigarettes. However, hookah pipes and e-cigarettes have been gaining popularity among young people and adolescents.' He said young people need to understand that vapes and hookahs are intentionally designed to appear appealing and smell pleasant, so they can trap them into tobacco addiction. 'The reason why there are so many flavours and designs is that people who make these things have been studying what young people like. 'From that, they designed a product that will ultimately cause them health problems or even death, then marketed it to them through their favourite influencers,' he said. Mateme said the most common use of nicotine products is among young people in their senior high school years and tertiary study, who often say they use these products to cope with academic stress. He advised young people that there are healthier ways to cope with stress, such as physical activity and creative outlets, such as journaling and writing. He added that SATFYF advocates for the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill, which is currently in parliament and undergoing public hearings. 'This bill will protect young people from tobacco and nicotine product exposure through measures such as introducing 100% smoke-free spaces, banning all advertisements at points of sale, as well as the regulation of e-cigarettes, which are currently not regulated.' He said parents and community members should also play their part and limit exposing children to tobacco products. 'Smoking in front of your children or sending them to buy these products for you at the store should stop because it normalises these products.' He mentioned that this behaviour initiates a cycle of addiction. 'When young people frequently see these products, their curiosity often leads to experimentation. Before they know it, they find themselves addicted.' Lesley Ragolane (23) from Pretoria West believes that creating a future unburdened by addiction and diseases begins with eliminating what is deemed as not being a threat. 'We want to live in communities where health and well-being are prioritised. We have witnessed the devastating consequences of tobacco products on older generations, and we're not willing to inherit that burden.' Amanda Mahlangu (20) from Mamelodi shared her experience of smoking hookah. She said peer pressure and wanting to feel belonging put her in the hospital due to not being able to breathe properly. 'I used to smoke hubbly almost every day with my friends. If you didn't want to be part of our smoking sessions, we would deem you boring and we would cut you off our friend group.' She encouraged her peers to always be themselves and not fall for traps in the name of 'belonging'. 'Peer pressure will always be there, you need to be able to choose right from wrong, and not care what people will say or think about you because it is your life that gets put at risk, not theirs.' ALSO READ: Collect your June SASSA grants from tomorrow Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
89% schools and 87% colleges declared tobacco-free: DPH
In Tamil Nadu, 89% of schools and 87% of colleges have been declared as tobacco-free educational institutions, according to the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine. Issuing a press release in line with the World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) observed on May 31, T.S. Selvavinayagam, Director of Public Health, said that Tamil Nadu has implemented comprehensive interventions focussed on enforcement, awareness, capacity building, cessation services and safeguarding institutions from tobacco exposure. This year, WNTD is observed on the theme 'Unmasking the appeal: Exposing industry tactics on tobacco and nicotine products' underscoring the urgent need to counter deceptive marketing strategies targeting children, adolescents and vulnerable communities, the release said. Listing out key achievements in tobacco control (up to May 2025) in the State, the directorate said on strict enforcement of the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), a total of 4,60,486 persons were fined and a fine amount of ₹7,97,13,387 was collected. A total of 45,865 out of 51,477 schools and 2,173 out of 2,484 colleges were declared tobacco-free. To enforce Section 6 of COTPA and to protect the young, the directorate has asked district officials to ensure that all educational institutions mark the 100-yard tobacco-free zones by implementing the 'Yellow Line Campaign'. 'This year's theme reminds us that the battle against tobacco is not just about controlling consumption — it is about exposing the industries that profit by endangering lives,' he said. Dr. Selvavinagayam added that Tamil Nadu leads by example with widespread enforcement, education, and community engagement. 'Through initiatives like the Yellow Line Campaign, we are drawing a visible boundary between our children and the threat of tobacco.' In line with this year's theme, Cancer Institute (WIA) organised a series of events that included an awareness rally, sand sculpture, open mic and announcement of awareness messages in Chennai Metro Rail stations, according to a press release. The department of Psycho-Oncology, Cancer Institute (WIA) along with HCL Foundation organised the awareness rally at Elliot's Beach, Besant Nagar on May 31. Nearly 1,000 participants including school and college students took part. R. Murugan, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Greater Chennai Police, Adyar Range and T. G. Sagar, Governing Body Member and former director, Cancer Institute (WIA) were present. A social media campaign aligned with World Health Organisation's (WHO) WNTD was also held. It highlighted tobacco's harmful effects, debunked myths, and exposed industry tactics targeting youth, and promoted the health benefits of quitting tobacco to encourage informed choices. Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research conducted an awareness rally to mark WNTD. Students, faculty members and healthcare professionals participated in the rally. Sri Ramachandra Hospital has opened a cessation clinic as per WHO guidelines to overcome addiction of tobacco usage through counselling and supportive medication, a release said.
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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Health
- Business Standard
No Tobacco Day: Raising awareness about tobacco industry's deceptions
Every year, May 31 is marked as 'World No Tobacco Day' (WNTD). This year, WHO and public health champions from across the globe have come together for WNTD to raise awareness about the harmful tactics of the tobacco industry. The focus is on exposing the deceptive tactics used by the tobacco and nicotine industries to make their harmful products more appealing, particularly to youth. Recently, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare asked the organisers of the Indian Premier League (IPL) to stop showing ads that promote alcohol or tobacco, even indirectly. They also told sports officials to make sure that players, commentators, and others involved in the games don't support or promote such products. This directive came after parents shared concerns about children seeing these ads during major sports events. However, this year's IPL shows mixed results — the ads haven't completely stopped, but there are fewer tobacco ads now, and only a few celebrities are endorsing them. Focus on youth is important, as they are particularly at risk of nicotine addiction, often developing dependence even before regular use begins. Just one or two cigarettes can trigger cravings in adolescents. Smokeless tobacco poses an even greater risk, delivering more nicotine than cigarettes and making it harder to quit. As the body adapts, users need increasing amounts to feel the same effect, leading to addiction. India ranks second in global tobacco-related deaths, with nearly 1.4 million fatalities annually. There are almost 267 million tobacco users in India. Everyday more than 3,200 children and teens under 18 years smoke their first cigarette. According to Global Youth Tobacco Survey Fact Sheet India, 2019, 8.5 per cent of students (9.6 per cent of boys and 7.4 per cent of girls) currently used any tobacco product, which was 16.9 per cent in 2003. We as a country have been trying to regulate industry for a very long time. As early as in 1975, 'Cigarettes (Regulation of production, supply & distribution) Act, tried to regulate tobacco industry & mandated health warnings on cigarette packaging and advertisements. Then in 1990, the Central Government issued a directive for prohibiting smoking in public places, banned tobacco advertisements on national radio and TV channels, advised state governments to discourage sale of tobacco around educational institutions & mandated display of statutory health warning on chewing tobacco products. Similarly, in 2000, the central government banned tobacco and liquor advertisements on cable television under Cable Television Networks (Amendments) Act. 2003 was a landmark year when, The Cigarettes & Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade & Commerce, Production, Supply, and Distribution) Act, (COTPA, 2003) was enacted even before entering Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and it's coming into force. COTPA is a comprehensive law with 33 sections regulating various aspects of tobacco products from their advertisement to their trading and consumption. COTPA incorporated five important policies later adopted and recommended under FCTC i.e. prohibition of smoking in public places, ban on tobacco advertising and sponsorship, ban on sale to and by minors and within 100 yards of educational institutions, display of pictorial health warning labels, and content regulation of tobacco products. Continuing its efforts last year, The Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 2.0, a 60-day nationwide initiative was launched by MoHFW to empower youth against tobacco use. This campaign which started on September 24, 2024, focused on increasing public awareness, improving compliance with the revised guidelines for Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI), strengthening the enforcement of tobacco control laws to limit youth access to tobacco, promoting tobacco free villages, and boosting social media outreach, using digital platforms to deliver strong messages about the harms of tobacco and the benefit of quitting to young people. Today, there are over 2,000 tobacco cessation centers, a national Tobacco Quitline (1800 11 2356) and many other community-based approaches for demand reduction which include Self Help material, support groups, individual counselling, quit contests, advocacy for smoke free worksites and schools, etc. As evident, there are many initiatives and challenges as well, related to this complex social issue. One real challenge which is related to the theme of this year is surrogate advertising and endorsements by the celebrities. Surrogate advertising is considered unethical and controversial because it misleads consumers and undermines public health regulations. Surrogate advertising is marketing practice where a brand promotes a product indirectly, which is restricted from advertising, by using another product or service that shares the brand's identity. For this to happen effectively, brand name, logo, colours, or overall aesthetic of the restricted product is used to promote a seemingly unrelated product. This technique subtly reinforces brand recall without directly advertising the prohibited substance. Gutkha companies, for instance, sell both gutkha and cardamom. But the advertisement on television is one about the latter. Surrogate ads work by using a type of learning called higher-order conditioning. An attractive ad for a harmless product (like elaichi) can make people want tobacco, even if tobacco isn't shown. This happens because the ad links positive feelings to the brand, which is also known for tobacco. Over time, people connect the good feelings from the ad to using tobacco in a similar way. In India, the Central Consumer Protection Authority issued guidelines in June 2022, to restrict this practice. The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has been actively discouraging public figures from featuring in advertisements that would legally necessitate a health warning. However, a survey conducted by 'Local Circles' highlights growing consumer dissatisfaction with the surrogate advertising post ban. Notably, 68 per cent of respondents reported that celebrities continue to appear in such ads, further exacerbating the public's frustration with misleading endorsements. Celebrities—especially actors—hold immense influence, and with that comes a unique opportunity to inspire positive change. When endorsing products, they have the option to support brands that align with values of health, safety, and social well-being. By using their platforms responsibly, celebrities can become powerful advocates for a better, more conscious society. And the good news? Many are already leading the way, showing that fame can fuel impact.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
World No Tobacco Day: A global call to end Tobacco use
Dr (Prof) Sadhana Kala is a USA-trained robotic & laparoscopic surgeon, Uppsala University, Sweden, trained fertility specialist, and 'National Icon Endoscopic Surgeon' of India. University topper and winner of several gold and silver medals and Certificates of Honor and the unique 'Distinction' in medicine in medical college, she is the youngest-ever Professor in any medical college anywhere, and the only-ever gynec Hon Consultant to the Army, Navy and Air Force. FORMER: President Family Welfare Foundation of India (now closed) one of the few UN -accredited NGO since 1997; Member of Central Consumer Protection Council, Government of India, the apex national advisory body on consumer affairs; Advisor, Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India; Member, Advisory Committee, MTNL (Delhi). Awardee of C L Jhaveri and P N Behl Awards of Indian Medical Association for professional excellence. Chief emeritus and currently Sr Consultant gynecologist and laparoscopic surgeon, Moolchan Medcity and Apollo Cradle Hospitals, New Delhi. She is a published-writer on varied topics. Facebook: Twitter: She also writes at LESS ... MORE Every year on May 31, the world comes together to observe World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) — a campaign spearheaded by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to raise awareness about the devastating health and environmental impacts of tobacco use. It serves as a stark reminder of the damage caused by one of the world's leading preventable causes of death. In 2025, the theme for World No Tobacco Day — 'Protecting children from tobacco industry interference' — underscores the urgent need to shield the next generation from the manipulative tactics of the tobacco industry. Tobacco use kills more than 8 million people annually, including over 1.3 million non-smokers who are exposed to second-hand smoke. Despite decades of public health campaigns, tobacco continues to pose a significant threat to global health, development, and the environment. As the world grapples with chronic diseases, air pollution, and widening health inequalities, the call to eliminate tobacco is louder and more relevant than ever. A brief history of World No Tobacco Day World No Tobacco Day was established in 1987 by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to raise global awareness about the tobacco epidemic and its devastating consequences. The goal was twofold: first, to reduce the prevalence of tobacco use, and second, to expose the aggressive marketing strategies of tobacco companies. Over the decades, the campaign has evolved to tackle emerging challenges, from e-cigarettes and vaping to environmental destruction caused by tobacco farming. Each year, WNTD focuses on a specific theme. Past themes have included 'Tobacco and heart disease,' 'Commit to quit,' and 'Tobacco: Threat to our environment.' These themes reflect the multifaceted dangers of tobacco, encompassing health, environmental sustainability, and social justice. The health toll of tobacco Tobacco is one of the few consumer products that kills up to half of its users when used as intended. It is a significant risk factor for a wide range of diseases: Cardiovascular diseases (heart attacks and strokes) Respiratory diseases (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema) Cancers , particularly lung, throat, mouth, and esophageal cancers Diabetes and complications from the disease Compromised immune function , increasing vulnerability to infections In developing countries, where 80% of the world's 1.3 billion tobacco users live, the health burden is compounded by limited healthcare infrastructure and low public awareness. Tobacco-related illnesses drain health systems and diminish productivity, keeping millions in cycles of poverty. Second-hand smoke also poses a severe risk, especially to children and pregnant women. It is linked to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), respiratory infections, low birth weight, and developmental issues. Youth in the crosshairs: This year's theme In 2025, the WHO and its partners are spotlighting the growing menace of youth-targeted marketing by tobacco companies. Despite bans on tobacco advertising in many countries, the industry continues to find loopholes through social media influencers, flavored products, and e-cigarettes, which are often marketed as safer alternatives. Nicotine addiction in adolescence is hazardous. It alters brain development, making young people more susceptible to addiction and mental health disorders. Moreover, teenagers who start with e-cigarettes are more likely to transition to traditional tobacco products. The industry's tactics are well-documented: sponsoring music festivals, using cartoon characters, and employing lifestyle branding to make tobacco appear glamorous and rebellious. WNTD 2025 calls on governments to strengthen policies that protect children from exposure to these deceptive campaigns and enforce comprehensive bans on tobacco marketing across all platforms. Environmental consequences of tobacco Beyond human health, tobacco wreaks havoc on the environment. From cultivation to disposal, tobacco products cause significant ecological damage: Deforestation : Tobacco farming accounts for the loss of 200,000 hectares of forest annually, especially in low-income countries. Pesticide pollution : The crop requires heavy pesticide use, which contaminates water sources and harms biodiversity. Waste generation : Cigarette butts, which contain plastic filters, are the most littered item on Earth, polluting oceans, rivers, and urban spaces. Carbon emissions : Tobacco production and consumption generate over 84 million metric tons of CO₂ annually. WNTD calls for environmental accountability from tobacco companies and encourages governments to adopt polluter-pays policies, holding tobacco firms responsible for the full lifecycle of their products. Progress and challenges There is no denying that the global campaign against tobacco has yielded progress: Over 100 countries have implemented graphic warning labels on cigarette packs. Many cities and nations have smoke-free public spaces and higher tobacco taxes. Cessation support services are increasingly available via health systems and digital platforms. Plain packaging laws have helped reduce the appeal of cigarette brands in several countries. Yet, challenges remain. The tobacco industry continues to resist regulation through lawsuits and lobbying efforts. In some regions, particularly in parts of Africa and Southeast Asia, tobacco use is still rising. Moreover, the proliferation of heated tobacco products (HTPs) and nicotine pouches presents a new frontier of public health risks that are still poorly understood. A call to action World No Tobacco Day is not just a symbolic occasion; it's a call to action for governments, civil society, health professionals, and individuals. To truly combat the tobacco epidemic, a multi-pronged approach is essential: Stronger policy enforcement Governments must fully implement the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) — a legally binding treaty that outlines measures such as advertising bans, plain packaging, smoke-free zones, and increased taxation — to effectively combat tobacco use. Education and prevention Comprehensive school-based education programs that teach children about the risks associated with tobacco use are crucial. Public awareness campaigns, particularly those that leverage digital media, can also counter the glamorisation of smoking. Support for cessation Quitting tobacco is challenging due to nicotine's addictive nature. Access to nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), counseling, and quitlines can significantly improve quit rates. Healthcare providers should be trained to support cessation in routine care. Protecting vulnerable populations Low-income communities, indigenous populations, and marginalised groups are disproportionately affected by tobacco. Targeted interventions and culturally sensitive messaging can bridge health gaps. Holding the industry accountable Transparency laws should require tobacco companies to disclose marketing expenditures and tactics. Governments should reject partnerships with the industry, avoiding conflicts of interest that undermine public health goals. What individuals can do You don't have to be a policymaker to make a difference on World No Tobacco Day. Here are a few steps individuals can take: Quit or help someone quit smoking — seek support through health professionals or digital resources. Advocate for smoke-free zones in your community. Educate children and teens about the dangers of tobacco and the manipulative tactics used by the industry. Share facts and resources on social media to raise awareness and promote understanding. Support legislation aimed at curbing tobacco use and demand accountability from tobacco companies. Conclusion World No Tobacco Day 2025 is a sobering yet empowering reminder that the battle against tobacco is far from over. While progress has been made, the tobacco industry's relentless drive to addict new users, especially youth, continues to threaten public health and future generations. This year's focus on protecting children is both timely and essential. It is a collective responsibility — from global leaders to local communities — to work toward a tobacco-free world. By taking decisive action now, we can save millions of lives, reduce healthcare costs, protect the environment, and build healthier societies. The time to act is not tomorrow — it's today. Let us mark World No Tobacco Day not just with awareness, but with action. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Doctors raise the importance of oral screening and tobacco cessation to prevent oral cancers
CHENNAI In line with the World No Tobacco Day (WNTD), experts highlighted the importance of screening to detect oral cancers early and the need to quit tobacco to prevent oral cancers. A number of events were held on Friday to mark WNTD, which falls on May 31. Apollo Cancer Centres (ACC) launched #OraLife, a nationwide oral cancer screening programme aimed at early detection and prevention. The programme offers comprehensive oral screening conducted by trained oncologists and surgeons, identifying early warning signs such as persistent ulcers, red or white patches, or non-healing sores. Sandeep Duarah, senior consultant, surgical oncology, ACC Vanagaram, emphasised that everyone is vulnerable to oral cancer, and screening is essential as it can lead to timely diagnosis and treatment. Naveen Hedne, senior consultant, head and neck surgical Oncology, ACC Teynampet, noted that most patients still present at advanced stages, stressing the critical importance of early detection. Sapna Nangia, director – head, neck and breast - senior consultant, radiation oncology, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, added that oral cancer remains the most common cancer among Indian men, with significant disparities between incidence and survival. 'Everyone carries some risk. No one should ignore even a sharp tooth,' cautioned N. Mahathi, professor, oral oncology and maxillofacial surgery, and a representative of the Isha Foundation. To support holistic recovery, ACC has partnered with the Isha Foundation to provide integrated tobacco cessation support. The launch also included unveiling of the #CutTheCost campaign, which highlights the financial toll of tobacco use -- estimated at over ₹1.1 lakh in additional lifetime healthcare expenses per user. Rathna Devi, senior consultant, radiation oncology, and Kannan, consultant, head and neck oncology and skull base surgery, both from ACC Teynampet, called oral cancer screening and tobacco cessation 'the best move' and urged the public to 'stop the habit.' VS Hospitals rolled out a 'Two-minute action for oral cancer protection' campaign urging people to perform quick oral self-checks to catch the early signs of cancer. It runs on the message of 'Feel, Look, Act'. Doctors said people should look at their entire mouth in the mirror, feel for any changes, white or red patches in the mouth, non-healing ulcers, lumps or swelling in the jaw or neck and in the case of any abnormality, seek medical help immediately. 'Tobacco use - be it smoking or chewing - could cause cancers, predominantly of the oral cavity,' S. Subramanian, founder chairman and managing director, VS Hospitals, said. He emphasised the need for awareness, and screening for early diagnosis that makes cure possible. Noting that the incidence of cancer is on the rise, S. Nithya, associate director and senior consultant, Medical Oncology at the hospital said people should understand the ill-effects of tobacco and quit as soon as possible. 'It takes 15 to 20 years for the effect of tobacco to come down. Quitting today is important,' she said. Oral cancers, one of the commonest cancers in India, includes that of the tongue, cheek, throat and oral cavity. 'The changes will be visible. Once there is an abnormality such as white or red patches, which are the early symptoms, it is important to see the doctor immediately,' she said. In another event, CANSTOP, a community-based organisation of Sundaram Medical Foundation Hospital, collaborated with Rotary District 3234 to raise awareness on WNTD at Anna Nagar Tower Park. The awareness event featured activities, including an awareness talk, 'paraiattam', street theatre, mime, and a flash mob aimed at educating the public on the dangers of tobacco use. Free oral and general medical screening camps were held. B. Sneha Priya, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Anna Nagar, N.S. Saravanan, District Governor, Rotary District 3234, Arjun Rangarajan, trustee, Sundaram Medical Foundation and Sachin Siva, Captain of the Indian Cricket Team for the Physically Challenged took part, according to a press release.
