LAHORE, May 30: The World No Smoking Day is being observed around the world on Saturday (today) to draw global attention to the ills of tobacco, and the death and diseases it causes.
The WHO’s this year theme is “Tobacco free film — Tobacco free.”
In response to this appeal, the World Health Organization and its partners are launching a campaign to urge the film-makers, producers, script writers and stakeholders to avoid scenes showing heroes smoking. The films have far-reaching influence on society because a majority of the viewers follows the actions and manners of film stars.
The officials concerned claim that the films are, unfortunately, feeding wrong ideas, including violence and the use of tobacco, among the people. “The films are promoting smoking as a fashionable thing. This practice has a disastrous effect on society,” they add.
According to reports, tobacco kills around four million people in the world every year. It is leading to 10 million deaths from cancer, heart and lungs diseases by 2020. It is believed that over 1.1 billion individuals around the world are regular smokers.
The survey also reveals that tobacco use has increased in the developing countries in the last three decades. It also says that the current status is leading to a devastating situation where annually 10 million deaths will occur worldwide, with around seven million of those estimated to be in the developing countries, including Pakistan.
In Pakistan, the rate of tobacco use is increasing despite numerous health and economic losses.
The Pakistan Paediatric Association says that around 1,000 to 1,200 children, aged between six and 16 years, smoke daily. Similarly, the National Health Survey says that 29 per cent men and 3.4 per cent women in the country smoke regularly. While the Pakistan Society for Cancer Prevention claims that 37 per cent and four per cent women smoke. It adds that 90 per cent men and 79 per cent women suffer from lungs cancer due to smoking.
The WHO officials have expressed concern over the marked increase in false perceptions about film stars, their glamour, bravery and smoking. The officials say that the deception is for the public, profits for the companies and death and disease burden for the countries.
A fresh data suggests that one-thirds of young smokers start consuming tobbaco before the age of 10.
In order to mark the World No Smoking Day, the Punjab health department is organizing a one-day panel discussion on ‘Tobacco free films and fashion — our collective responsibility’ at the Institute of Public Health. —- MANSOOR MALIK