BAHRAIN’s efforts to combat smoking are being recognised globally with the World Health Organisation (WHO) conferring a prestigious award.
The Health Ministry’s National Anti-Smoking Committee was yesterday honoured with the No Tobacco Day 2022 award during the 75th World Health Assembly, in Geneva.
Health Minister Faeqa Al Saleh extended her gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for their unlimited support to the health sector which has led to the kingdom winning international accolades. The assembly concludes today.
The award comes on the occasion of WHO’s celebration of ‘World No Tobacco Day’ which falls on May 31 annually. It was held this year under the slogan ‘Tobacco is a threat to our environment’.
“Bahrain is working hard to combat the tobacco epidemic, stop its consumption and reduce the burden of morbidity and mortality caused by complications from the use of tobacco products,” Ms Al Saleh said in a statement last night.
“We aim to protect current and future generations from the health, social, environmental and economic impacts of tobacco consumption and exposure to smoke by enhancing community awareness and strengthening the surveillance and monitoring system.
“This is in addition to providing high quality tobacco cessation services of international standards, activating legislation and laws aimed at reducing tobacco use in Bahraini communities, and strengthening societal and global partnerships.
“The National Anti-Smoking Committee was entrusted with drawing the best health plans and programmes to protect society from the dangers of tobacco use.”
The committee has implemented a number of initiatives in line with the National Tobacco Control Plan (2018-2030) to achieve Goal 3 of the Sustainable Development Goals.
It launched smoking cessation clinics in primary healthcare facilities, and provided free services and treatments to all age groups of Bahrainis and expatriates.
The panel also collaborated with shopping malls, workplaces and schools through health awareness programmes to encourage smoke-free environments.
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