Kuwait Organizes 30 Events To Protect Children From Tobacco Industry Influence

Dr. Ahmed Al-Shatti, Deputy President of the National Anti-Smoking Program, has announced the commencement of an extensive awareness campaign in collaboration with the Department of Health Promotion at the Ministry of Health. With a theme centered on “Protecting children from intervention of the tobacco industry,” the campaign will feature over 30 events throughout May.

Al-Shatti elaborated to Kuna that the campaign encompasses a diverse range of activities, including initiatives in commercial complexes, schools, community development centers, and primary health care centers. These efforts also include training courses for medical teams and school health personnel, all aimed at amplifying health awareness, particularly concerning the hazards of smoking and its prevalence among children and young people.

Citing World Health Organization (WHO) studies, Al-Shatti emphasized the staggering statistic of eight million annual deaths globally attributed to all forms of tobacco consumption. He underscored the urgency of collective action in combating smoking, given the targeted efforts of tobacco companies towards children and young individuals, crucial to the future and development of nations.

Highlighting the concerning trend, Al-Shatti noted that young e-cigarette users are nearly three times more likely to transition to conventional cigarettes later in life. He pointed out that globally, adolescents aged 13 to 15 use e-cigarettes at a higher rate than adults.

This year, World No Tobacco Day, observed in over 180 member countries, centers on the theme of “Protecting children from tobacco industry interference,” as designated by the WHO.

Al-Shatti emphasized the lack of evidence supporting e-cigarettes as effective cessation aids, alongside growing concerns regarding their adverse health effects. He condemned tobacco industry tactics, citing their funding of misleading claims on reduced harm while aggressively marketing to youth and non-smokers, all while continuing to sell millions of cigarettes.

The National Anti-Smoking Program's 2024 awareness campaign, titled “Protecting children from intervention of the tobacco industry,” launched in collaboration with various ministries, bodies, and state institutions on Thursday, marks a concerted effort to safeguard future generations from the harmful influences of tobacco.

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