On 31st May each year WHO celebrates World No Tobacco Day, highlighting the health risks associated with tobacco use and advocating for effective policies to reduce consumption. Tobacco use is the second cause of death globally (after hypertension) and is currently responsible for killing one in 10 adults worldwide.

The theme for World No Tobacco Day 2010 is gender and tobacco, with an emphasis on marketing to women. WHO will use the day to draw particular attention to the harmful effects of tobacco marketing and smoke on women and girls.

The World Health Assembly created World No Tobacco Day in 1987 to draw global attention to the tobacco epidemic and its lethal effects.

For more details please visit http://www.who.int/tobacco/wntd

Alappuzha - May, 2010

A mass movement for a 'Tobacco & Drugs Free Alappuzha' was launched by the Honorable Minister of Health Smt.Sreemathy in an inaugural function at the Collectorate Junction which was followed by formation of a human chain from Medical College Hospital Junction to Kalavoor Junction. The inaugural function was presided over by Sh.R Nasar, District Panchayat President, Sh.P.P.Chitharanjan, Municipal Chairman, Alappuzha welcomed the dignitaries, Retd.Justice Narayana Kurup administered 'Anti-Narcotics Pledge' and Sh.P.Venugopal IAS, District Collector detailed the action plan. Many dignitaries and eminent personalities attended the function. Dr.R.S.Nisha, Associate Professor, T D Medical College gave vote of thanks. Anti-Narcotics Pledge was administered by eminent personalities at various points to the participants. People from all walk of life especially ladies and students participated in the human chain.