World no Tobacco Day which was initiated in 1987 as “no smoking day” but raising awareness about tobacco related issues is observed every May 31 and it is to inform the public about the health implications of using tobacco and this year centers around, “protecting children from tobacco industry interference’
This year’s no tobacco day is significant because it will inform the public the health implications of tobacco usage, protection from second hand smoking, confronting the tobacco industry environmental damage, and educate children by creating communal awareness through global movement.
According to World Health Organization (WHO) data over 37 million children ages 13 to 15 years are using tobacco globally.
The data indicates that WHO has given a platform to young people across the world and is urging the governments to shield them from predatory tobacco marketing tactics.
According to data, among male youths in Nigeria from age 13 to 15 years, the prevalence of smoking was estimated at 5.6% and female youths are estimated 1.3% and every year 16.1 thousand deaths occur due to illness from tobacco consumption.
