World No Tobacco Day (WNTD)

World No Tobacco Day (WNDT) is an annual awareness day taking place on 31 May, dedicated to raising global awareness about the risks of tobacco use and advocating for stronger tobacco control policies.  This year the WNDT 2024 theme is “Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference”. The theme is in line with the 2021-2030 Malaysian National Strategic Plan for Tobacco and Smoking Product Control which focused on enhancing tobacco control measures and regulating the use of smoking products, with the goal of making Malaysia a smoke-free nation. 

At the present times, tobacco consumption is still a major issue in public health, affecting both adults and young people. The rising use of tobacco among children is a concerning trend that needs to be addressed. Children aged 5 to 15 years old are especially susceptible to tobacco and smoking initiation.  In 2022, it is estimated that globally, at least 37 million adolescents between the ages of 13 and 15 engage in tobacco use some form of tobacco.  In Malaysia, it is estimated 300,000 children and adolescents age 10 to 19 years old used tobacco and e-cigarette.

There are many factors contribute to children using tobacco. These factors can be categorized into individual, social, and environmental influences. Individual factors include personal characteristics, such as a desire for independence or rebellion, curiosity, low self-esteem, or a perception of tobacco use as glamorous or being macho. Social factors encompass peer pressure, parental or family influences, exposure to tobacco advertising or media portrayal of smoking, and the normalization of smoking within a child's social circles. Additionally, environmental factors such as easy accessibility to tobacco products, enforcement of age restrictions, and lack of comprehensive tobacco control policies can also contribute to children using tobacco.

As we know, smoking has serious adverse impacts on children. Being exposed to second-hand smoke can result in an increased likelihood of respiratory infections, asthma, ear infections, and sudden infant death syndrome. Moreover, children who encounter smoking are at a higher risk of experiencing continuing health issues such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and reduced lung capacity. Additionally, smoking among children can negatively affect their cognitive growth and academic performance. It is crucial for all parents with school-age kids and those involved in child care to recognize the hazards of smoking and implement steps to protect their children from exposure to second-hand smoke.

In conclusion, to say no to tobacco, everyone needs to play their roles. Community empowering, strengthening law and enforcement, collaborating with relevant professional bodies are some of the examples that can be taken to ensure a better health for our future generations.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Rafee Baharudin

Department of Community Health

Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia

Date of Input: 07/06/2024 | Updated: 01/08/2024 | nadia_rahman