World No Tobacco Day - 2009 Observed

Pictorial Health Warnings on tobacco products urged

On May 31, 2009, the World No-Tobacco Day was observed all over Bangladesh, as in other countries.  This year the theme of the day was ‘Tobacco Health Warnings’ underscoring the need for using picture warnings that have been proven particularly effective at making people aware of the health risks of tobacco use and convincing smokers to quit. Various Government and non-government organizations and civil societies held rallies, discussions, seminars, and other advocacy programmes in observance of the day.

Tobacco use is one of the 'most common risk factors for various diseases' in Bangladesh as well as across the globe and its economic impact is also 'devastating'. Health warnings on tobacco packages that combine text and pictures are one of the most cost-effective ways to increase public awareness about the serious health risks of tobacco. Text and pictorial health warnings trigger a more intense emotional response and generate a greater degree of motivation and intention to quit. Pictorial presentations are particularly effective in communicating the health effects of tobacco to comparatively low-literate populations, children and young people.

Bangladesh Cancer Society

Bangladesh Cancer Society and Bangladesh Cancer Hospital and Welfare Home organized a discussion on the day at the National Museum in the City. Prof. Dr Syed Modasser Ali,  Health Advisor to the Prime Minister, attended the function as Chief Guest, and  Dr Duangvadee Sungkhobol, WHO Representative to Bangladesh, was the  Special Guest. Professor Pran Gopal Dutt, Vice Chancellor of Bangabandhu Seikh Mujib Medical University, was the keynote speaker.

During the forum’s discussion session, the WHO Representative, mentioned that Bangladesh is one of the top 10 tobacco consuming  countries in the World. It has been shown through studies that tobacco consumption, in various forms, has emerged as a leading cause of non- communicable diseases. She underscored the need for a holistic approach to reduce consumption of tobacco products.

ADHUNIK and WHO

To mark the day, ADHUNIK (a leading national NGO)  and World Health Organization jointly organized a discussion at the National Press Club on the day. The Bangladesh  Information Minister, Mr. Abul Kalam Azad attended the discussion as the chief guest while the chairman of Transparency International - Bangladesh,  Professor Muzaffer Ahmad, was the guest of honour. In observance of World No Tobacco Day, ADHUNIK brought out a rally from the National Press Club in the morning to raise public awareness. Other NGOs and health professional bodies also chalked out special programmes on the hazards and ill effects of tobacco use. It was emphasized that “warnings of adverse health effects” of tobacco products may be written on all forms of packaging of tobacco items that are marketed in the country.