World No Tobacco Day 2024: Date, theme, history and significance

World No Tobacco Day 2024: World No Tobacco Day plays a important role in raising awareness about the health risks associated with tobacco use. (Representational Image).

World No Tobacco Day is observed every year on May 31. Initiated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 1987, the day aims to create awareness about the health risks associated with tobacco use and advocate efficient policies to decrease tobacco consumption.

World No Tobacco Day is observed every year on May 31 and the date was established by the WHO in 1988 to create awareness about the tobacco epidemic and the dangers associated with its consumption.

In 1987, the WHO passed Resolution WHA40.38 and called for April 7, 1988 to be "a world no-smoking day." This marked the 40th anniversary of the organisation and was the first steps taken for a broader movement.

After the success of the early no-smoking day, the WHO established Resolution WHA42.19 in 1988 and created World No Tobacco Day to be observed every year on May 31.

The theme for World No Tobacco Day 2024 is  "Protecting children from tobacco industry interference". The theme emphasises the need to protect future generations and ensure that tobacco consumption continues to reduce.

World No Tobacco Day plays a important role in raising awareness about the health risks associated with tobacco use. This includes the dangers of smoking and the use of other tobacco products, highlighting their connection to a range of health issues such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, and respiratory illnesses.

Also read: World No Tobacco Day 2024: Beware of the hidden dangers of tobacco chewing, its impact on oral health