World No Tobacco Day
Every year on the 31st of May, World No Tobacco Day is celebrated globally to encourage a 24-hour
period of abstinence from all forms of tobacco consumption. The day is further
intended to draw attention to the widespread prevalence of tobacco use and to the
negative health effects, which have led to more than
7 million deaths each year worldwide, including 890,000 of which are the result
of non-smokers being exposed to second-hand
smoke.
A never-ending celebration
In support of this cause, Tobacco Free Initiative has celebrated this day every year since its creation. The annual event is held to promote a “Tobacco Free Lebanon” in cooperation with the Ministry of Public Health, the Ministry of Education, the World Health Organization, the Anti-Tobacco National Program and the Tobacco Control Research Group at AUB.
“Tobacco-Free clubs” from multiple schools across Lebanon participate in the annual event and engage in educational activities and workshops organized by specialists. Students are requested to showcase their talents and the club that presents the most creative project receives the Antoine & Minerva Kayrouz Award worth 3’000’000 LBP.
Here’s a glimpse at World No Tobacco Day throughout the years:
TFI celebrated World No Tobacco Day at the American University of Beirut on May 31, 2011.
TFI and the Lebanese Cancer Society organized the annual event at USJ, Beirut.
The event was patronized by the Prime Minister Mr Najib Mikaty represented by the Ministry of Information Mr. Walid Daouk and was supported by the World Health Organization.
TFI celebrated World No Tobacco Day at the Directorate of the Lebanese Universities on May 31, 2013. The event was moderated by Hilda Khalife and received the support of WHO representative in Lebanon as well as honorary guests such as Dr. Atef Majdalani, Head of Parliamentary Commission for Health.
The following year, TFI held its annual event at the Central Administration of the Lebanese University in Beirut, on May 31, 2015.
During the event, Mr. Fadi Snan, Representative of the Health Ministry and Director of the Anti-Tobacco National Program, gave a speech, followed by the testimony of an ex-smoker.
TFI celebrated World No Tobacco Day at the Grand Serail on May 31, 2016. The event was held under the patronage of Mrs. Lama Salam, wife of former Prime Minister Tamam Salam, who presented an award to Honorary TFI President, Mrs. Minerva Kayrouz, in recognition of her voluntary work in the fight against smoking.
In 2017, TFI held the annual event at the Ministry of Health. TFI celebrated World No Tobacco Day at ‘Beit al-Mouhami’ on May 31, 2018.
