May 31 – World No Tobacco Day

          The campaign by the World Health Organization (WHO) this year, 2020, regarding 'World No Tobacco Day' (Sunday, 31/05) focuses on protecting young people from industry manipulation and preventing them from using tobacco and nicotine. "However, in times of the Covid-19 pandemic, the issue has become more urgent due to the risks smokers face in contracting the disease, as the Coronavirus affects the lungs, making recovery for a smoker much more severe," explains pulmonologist Jéssica Polese.

            In 2020, the global campaign aims to alert young people about the industry's manipulation tactics, as well as the exacerbating factors of smoking in light of the new Coronavirus. "The tobacco industry always finds ways to continue selling its product, even with so many awareness campaigns, and various attractions are created for young people to consume cigarettes, such as the use of appealing flavors, practical designs, promotions, and sponsorships, etc.," says Jéssica.

            "Regarding the pandemic, it is important to emphasize that smokers are smoking more due to stress, and those who had 'quit' smoking due to psychological pressure and changes in routine have returned to smoking, especially those who live alone," highlights the pulmonologist.

            "It is necessary to remember that besides the danger we are facing due to the Coronavirus, tobacco is responsible for various chronic diseases, respiratory issues, and lung cancer. Now, more than ever, the ideal is to put aside cigarettes," she adds.

            According to the National Cancer Institute (Inca), all these chronic diseases increase the risk of developing complications from Covid-19 infection. Additionally, being overweight, obesity, and weight gain in adulthood are risk factors for 13 types of cancer. Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable deaths worldwide.

World No Tobacco Day

World No Tobacco Day, adopted since 1988 by the member states of the World Health Organization, aims to raise awareness about the serious public health problem that the tobacco epidemic represents and the urgent need to implement and strengthen tobacco control measures.