Voices Against Tobacco’s Impactful Initiatives for World No Tobacco Day 2023

World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) is a global event that aims to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and advocate for effective tobacco control measures. The use of tobacco is a growing problem in Pakistan. An estimated 22–25 million people are smokers and 55% of households contain at least one smoker. This year, Voices Against Tobacco (VAT) spearheaded a series of activities to mark WNTD.

A photography competition was held in the weeks leading up to WNTD with the theme “Tobacco Impacts.” Participants were asked to showcase the impacts of tobacco in their communities, and we received submissions from talented photographers from around the world. The winner and runner-ups were announced at the World No Tobacco Day celebration on May 31, 2023, showcasing their extraordinary talent and dedication to promoting a tobacco-free world.

To further commemorate WNTD on May 31, 2023, VAT organized a walk at the Indus Hospital & Health Network (IHHN) in Korangi. This event brought together faculty members, IHHN staff, VAT partners, and passionate students. Participants held posters adorned with impactful messages, aimed at enlightening the public about the perils of tobacco consumption. Following the walk, an awareness session was held shedding light on the adverse effects of tobacco and how we as a community can get involved to make a difference.

Among the notable guests and speakers were Dr. Saima Saeed, Director of the Lung Health Program, IHHN, Dr. Sohail Akhtar, Prof and Senior Consultant Pulmonology at the Lung Health Program, IHHN, and Ms. Atiya Adeel, Nursing Instructor at IHHN. Furthermore, the announcement of the photography competition winners added an element of celebration, recognizing their exceptional contribution to tobacco control advocacy.