May 31, 2008: World No Tobacco Day

 

In 1987, World Health Organization established "World No Tobacco Day" that is celebrated each year on May 31st. 

Smoking is one of the biggest public health threats having developed into an epidemic, with fatal consequences both for smokers and non-smokers. According to data from WHO, tobacco use constitutes the second cause of death globally, killing 5,4 million people every year, while almost 50% of the world's youth population are affected by second hand smoking. Trying to protect the youth from tobacco use, the theme of the "World No Tobacco Day" this year is "Tobacco-Free Youth" and encourages countries to ban direct or indirect forms of advertisements of tobacco and its products.