Yesterday was World No-Tobacco Day.
According to research, tobacco kills over eight million people each year, including around one point three million non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke, hence the annual campaign instituted in 1987 and led by the World Health Organization to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use, and to advocate for effective policies to reduce its consumption.
Correspondent Emmanuel Okonkwo reports that while speaking on the essence of the day, the Chief Medical Director of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital Amaku Awka, Dr Joe Akabuike, commended the United Nations for establishing such a day, encouraging those using tobacco and those planning to join to desist; as according to him, the substance has nothing good to offer the user, but only capable of destroying and cut life short.
He highlighted the health risks associated with tobacco use to include cancer, heart disease, stroke and lung disease.
Another respondent, Mr. Mike Nwafor, while raising awareness on the impact of tobacco on the environment and on future generations, encouraged government at all levels to implement strong tobacco control policies such as higher taxes, smoke-free laws and bans on tobacco advertising, even as he advocated support for individuals trying to quit tobacco use.
