World No Tobacco Day is celebrated annually on May 31st, promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO) since 1987. Its objective is to raise awareness about the devastating effects of tobacco on health, the economy, and the environment, and to promote policies to reduce its consumption.
Tobacco causes more than 8 million deaths annually, including 1.3 million from exposure to secondhand smoke. It is linked to cancer, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and diabetes.
The WHO's objectives include raising awareness about tobacco industry tactics and promoting effective policies such as increased tobacco taxes, smoke-free public spaces, advertising bans, and graphic warnings on packaging.
Tobacco costs the global economy $1.4 trillion annually in healthcare costs and lost productivity. Up to one-third of cancer deaths are attributable to tobacco.
In Cuba, as a result of passive smoking, four non-smokers aged 35 and over die every 24 hours, just from associated diseases, such as ischemic heart disease and lung cancer.
Furthermore, the average number of years smoked among those addicted to this habit was 30.6 years, with about 15.5 cigarettes per day, and the average age at which they started smoking was 17.4 years, both in urban and rural areas.
Considering the aforementioned figures, today is a good day to quit smoking. If you're not doing it for yourself, do it for your family; say yes to life, no to tobacco.
