An event was organised today to mark the World No Tobacco Day, being held this year under the slogan "Let's grow food...not tobacco."

The National Committee for Combating Smoking and Tobacco of All Kinds and Products held the event under the patronage of Supreme Council of Health (SCH) President Lieutenant General Dr. Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa.

The event was also attended by the Minister of Health Dr. Jaleela bint Al Sayyed Jawad Hasan, the Minister of Youth Affairs Rawan bint Najeeb Tawfiqi and other senior officials.

The SCH president stressed Bahrain’s pioneering achievements within the comprehensive development process, led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, with the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

He highlighted the Kingdom’s strides, which spanned many domains, including the health sector to prevent diseases and combat their causes.

He stressed the importance of the occasion as an opportunity to enhance community awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use, in line with the drive of the World Health Organization (WHO), noting the role of community efforts and partnerships to support effective plans, policies and measures to combat smoking and reduce its consumption.

Dr. Hasan said that the health damages of smoking of all kinds are proven through studies, research and statistics, and emphasized the importance of raising awareness about this scourge helping smokers to quit to protect them from the diseases it causes.

She commended the efforts made by the National Committee for Combating Smoking and Tobacco of All Kinds and Products, which contributes to its fruitful role in preparing and supporting the implementation of plans and programs in partnership with all relevant governmental, and private bodies.

Source: Bahrain News Agency