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Smokers are not selfish is an health campaign taking place in Nepal with the aim of inspiring individuals to quit smoking. This event spaned two weeks, culminating on February 14, 2024, which aligns with Valentine's Day and Vasant Panchami. This initiative has captured public attention, leading to smokers making commitments to quit the habit. According to reports, more than 1700 individuals pledged to quit smoking during this campaign, which is organised by Dr. Om Foundation.

Background

In alignment with Hindu mythology, Vasant Panchami is associated with the worship of Goddess Saraswati, symbolizing knowledge and wisdom. The launch of this campaign on Valentine's Day holds special significance, as it encourages individuals to make a meaningful sacrifice, expressing love to their dear ones by giving up smoking with a purposeful intention.

Tobacco use in Nepal

According to the STEPS survey II carried out in 2019 by Nepal Health Research Council and the government of Nepal with technical support from the WHO, 28.9% of adults (aged 15–69 years) use either smoked or smokeless tobacco products. Among them 17.1 percent are currently smoking. The average age for initiation of smoking among those who smoke daily is 17.7 for men, 18.4 for female and 17.8 for both sexes.

Health impact

Out of 8 million deaths due to tobacco consumption per year worldwide, 1.3 million are attributed to passive smoking which mainly affects children, elderly and chronic diseased individuals. Among 1.3 billion tobacco users across the world, 80 percent of burden is in lower and middle income countries like Nepal that further signifies the importance of this campaign.

Slogan

According to reports, over 500 people have pledged to quit smoking midway through this campaign. Many individuals have committed to quitting smoking and are embracing the slogan "a small sacrifice from me, a big gift for my beloved." In Nepali the name of slogan is “ मेरो सानो त्याग, मयालुको लागि ठुलो उपहार

Public participation

A 35-year-old man from Lalitpur tried to quit smoking 20 to 25 times in the past but failed every time. Then he joins this campaign and successfully quit smoking and express his feelings in this way,

“I feel I would succeed 100 percent this time in quitting smoking and You motivated me to quit cigarette." He thanks Dr. Om Murti Anil, leader of this campaign, and expresses his desires to meet him when he completely stops smoking.”

In his editorial for Nagarik Daily, Editor-in-Chief Gunaraj Luitel highlights the distinctive and constructive nature of the ongoing campaign. He encourages individuals to contribute their support at their respective levels for this noteworthy public initiative. School children are being involved in quiz, poem and art competitions on smoking and it’s ill effects. This campaign is taking place all over Nepal on virtual platform in initiation of Dr. Om Foundation. With this novel initiative, It’s thought that such involvement may prevent teenagers to get involved in harmful use of tobacco products.

Free health screening

1700 individuals who stopped smoking as part of this campaign received personal calls and underwent comprehensive health screenings, including free tests for sugar levels, cholesterol, ECG, and Echo to detect any heart ailments, performed by National Cardiac Center Kathmandu. They were encouraged to remain smoke-free and received ongoing counseling and support to prevent relapse. This individualized approach along with cardiovascular risk screening was central to the campaign's strategy to help participants maintain their decision to quit smoking. National Cardiac Centre had also committed to provide similar care and support to those who promise to quit smoking in future.

School health education

School children are enthusiastically participating in enjoyable anti-smoking and tobacco awareness activities. Through engaging in various competitions, they not only have a good time but also gain valuable knowledge about the harmful effects of tobacco on health. About 19 thousand school students participated in different awareness activities organised by Dr. Om Foundation. A new concept of involving school going student in anti smoking campaign appeared to be effective.

References

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