World No Tobacco Day 2021

Every year, on 31 May, World Health Organization (WHO) and partners mark World No Tobacco Day (WNTD). The annual campaign is an opportunity to raise awareness on the harmful and deadly effects of tobacco use and second-hand smoke exposure, and to discourage the use of tobacco in any form. The focus of World No Tobacco Day 2021 is “Commit to Quit”

World No Tobacco Day 2021- Union Health Minister, Government of India, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, pledge to keep away from Tobacco

Union Health Minister, Government of India, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, led the pledge to keep away from Tobacco on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day 2021. The people who smoke cigarettes can face more complications of COVID-19 including death. There is a 40%-50% added risk due to the habit. Nearly 1.3 million deaths are recorded in India due to the use of tobacco adding that the cost of economy resulting from health complications from the use of tobacco amounts to 1% of the GDP. Prime Minister, Narender Modi led the country wide movement against the menace of E-cigarettes. Due to the persistent efforts of the Government and State Governments, prevalence of tobacco use has decreased by six percentage points from 34.6 per cent in 2009-10 to 28.6 per cent in 2016-17. Toll-Free quitline services are available in 16 languages now.
World Health Organisation (WHO) has awarded Dr Harsh Vardhan with ‘WHO Director-General Special Recognition Award’ for his accomplishments in the area of tobacco control.

Famous Indian sports personalities came together to spread awareness against tobacco use and its ill-effects.  In their message, Former Indian badminton player & Chief National Coach for the Indian Badminton team P.Gopichand and Badminton Player, P.V Sindhu pledged to protect the youth of the country from the menace of tobacco products. Their special message as a short video clip was posted by the official Twitter handle of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.