AIIMS Bhopal marked World No Tobacco Day with a series of awareness programs aimed at educating the public on the dangers of tobacco use. The event, aligned with the World Health Organization's (WHO) theme for the year, "Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products," focused on exposing the deceptive marketing tactics of tobacco companies, particularly those targeting the youth.
Prof. (Dr.) Ajai Singh, Executive Director of AIIMS Bhopal, emphasized that World No Tobacco Day serves as a vital tool to raise awareness about the harmful health, social, and environmental impacts of tobacco consumption. He said, “This day is not just about raising health awareness but about informing the public, especially the youth, about the deceptive strategies used by the tobacco industry to promote their products.”
Tobacco consumption is a major global health crisis, being the leading cause of various cancers, including those of the lungs, mouth, and throat. According to WHO, tobacco use causes over 10 million deaths annually worldwide. In addition to health concerns, tobacco production has detrimental effects on the environment, including deforestation and pollution.
AIIMS Bhopal is committed to both treating tobacco-related diseases and promoting prevention. The awareness programs held today included workshops, presentations, and discussions with healthcare professionals who educated the public about the risks of tobacco use, including cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and e-cigarettes.
Prof. Singh reiterated, "At AIIMS Bhopal, our mission goes beyond treatment. We aim to empower individuals to make healthier choices, and raise awareness to prevent the spread of tobacco addiction, especially among our youth."
The event also provided resources for those looking to quit tobacco, with counseling services and support for addiction recovery. AIIMS Bhopal remains dedicated to promoting a tobacco-free future for a healthier society.