I am happy to learn that the WORLD NO TOBACCO Day 2017 is being celebrated in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands on 31st May 2017, alongwith the rest of the World with the theme “TOBACCO – A THREAT TO DEVELOPMENT” to highlight the health risk associated with tobacco use and advocating for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption.
The main aim of the campaign is to demonstrate the threat that the tobacco industry poses to the sustainable development of all the countries, including health and well being of their citizens and it will propose measures that Governments and the Public should take to promote health development by confronting the global tobacco crisis. The goal of World No Tobacco Day Campaign 2017 is to encourage countries to include tobacco control in their national responses and support member state and civil society to combat tobacco industry interference in political process in turn leading to stronger national tobacco control action.
The people of these Islands can contribute individually to make tobacco free world by making a commitment to never take tobacco products. Those who use tobacco products can quit the habit to protect their health as well as protect the health of other people from ill effects of second hand smoking including children, other family members and friends. Money spent on tobacco can be used for other essential uses including purchase of healthy food, health care and education.
On the occasion, I appeal to the tobacco users and smokers to quit the habits of tobacco consumption for their good health and join hands to make Andaman & Nicobar Islands as “Tobacco Free Islands”.
Sd/-
Prof. Jagdish Mukhi
Lieutenant Governor
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
