International No Tobacco Day, also known as World No Tobacco Day, is celebrated every year on May 31.
This day was established by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1987 to draw attention to the dangers of tobacco and to combat the global tobacco epidemic.
The goal is to reduce tobacco use and protect current and future generations from its harmful effects.
Themes of the International Day Against Tobacco
Each year, the day has a specific theme to highlight different aspects of the tobacco problem. In 2023, the theme focused on “Grow food, not tobacco” to encourage farmers to grow food instead of tobacco, thereby contributing to global food security and sustainability.
How is International No Tobacco Day celebrated on May 31?
During the day, various activities are organized worldwide, including seminars, campaigns and local events to raise awareness of the negative effects of tobacco on both health and the environment.
WHO and its partners also use the day to lobby for effective action against tobacco and to educate the public about the risks of tobacco use.
Tobacco use is the single largest preventable cause of mortality globally and is responsible for killing one in ten adults each year.