NDACC celebrates World No Tobacco Day

Every year on May thirty-first, the World Health Organization observes World No Tobacco Day. At its offices countrywide, the National Drug Abuse Control Council held activities in celebration of the day. Focusing on public awareness, this year’s activities addressed the negative effects of tobacco consumption—whether it be first, second or third-hand smoking. It also zoned in on current initiatives in place to encourage the general public to live in a smoke-free environment. The theme for the activities is “Raise taxes on Tobacco” and News Five spoke to the Belize District Coordinator for the activities, Susan Gilharry.

Susan Gilharry, Belize District Coordinator, NDACC

Susan Gilharry

“People would say it is legal so it is not bad. But people don’t really know the dangers of what could happen to them and it doesn’t happen overnight. After a while people go from two sticks of cigarettes a day to a whole pack a day so from there on they begin everyday because of the nicotine, which causes the addiction. So then people begin to realize it in the longer run and it is harder for them to quit smoking.  We are focusing mainly on tobacco so we have the effects of second hand smoking, third hand smoking and smokeless tobacco as well because people tend to chew tobacco as well. And then we also have activities and games for students to learn and interact and to learn in a fun way…not only to come and read, but also to learn and to win prizes and stuff like that.  This year, we have more schools participating and also the general public as well because last year we have little less. This year people have come by to give their opinions and comments and questions and they accepted it very good and they wished that more people could attend.”