WHO and DOH declares May 31 as World No-Tobacco Day

The Department of Health (DOH) in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) declared May 31 as World No-Tobacco Day. This declaration is in line with WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

This campaign is aimed at persuading people to refrain smoking for 24 hours. Moreover, the event is to propagate public awareness on the adverse affects of cigarette smoking.

Studies showed that cigarette smoking is the major cause of severe ailments like cancers, diabetes, osteoporosis among others, down to "simpler" sicknesses such as asthma and chronic cough.

Aside from smoking, another culprit is being considered by experts to be equally or more dangerous- second hand smoke. This is the smoke coming out from a smoker, then inhaled by a non-smoker. According to studies, second hand smoke can cause worse problems than first hand smoke.

Based on records, one person dies every 23 seconds due to sicknesses connected with cigarette smoking.

With this, 170 countries joined forces in establishing the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control by signing a treaty as a fight against cigarette smoking.

And in the Philippines, the government, represented by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) started imposing smoking ban in public places in Metro Manila, including major public roads and transportation terminals, as a response to the issue. — ARA