On Sunday, 31 May 2020, The National Department of Health will mark the World NO Tobacco Day with a high-level virtual dialogue with scientists, civil society and the media hosted by the Minister of Health, Dr Zweli Mkhize.
This event is marked globally to increase awareness on the harmful effects of Tobacco and Nicotine products to human health. World Health Organization estimate that every year the tobacco industry invests more than USD 9 billion to advertise its products; and it is, increasingly, targeting young people with nicotine and tobacco products in a bid to replace the 8 million people that its products kill every year.
Even during a global pandemic, the tobacco and nicotine industry persist by pushing products that limit people’s ability to fight coronavirus and recover from the disease. As part of their cunning and deception strategy disguised as a social responsibility, the industry has offered free branded masks and delivery to your door during quarantine and has lobbied for their products to be listed as ‘essential’.
Scientific evidence shows that smoking suffocates the lungs and other organs, starving them of the oxygen they need to function properly.
The Department of Health supports the global movement, led by the World Health Organization, aimed at protecting children from exploitation by the tobacco industry. South Africa is fully committed to enact strict tobacco control laws, including regulating products like e-cigarettes that have already begun to hook a new generation of young people.
You are invited to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: World No Tobacco Day - Zoom meeting
Time: May 31, 2020 11:00 AM Harare, Pretoria
Join Zoom Meeting
https://health-za.zoom.us/j/93376525858?pwd=U2tpbnFYT2ZBQ2d3bk5mVHJnT3Jidz09
Meeting ID: 933 7652 5858
Password: 011607
Join by Skype for Business
https://health-za.zoom.us/skype/93376525858
NB A limited number of participants and media are invited to attend a physical meeting at National Department of Health. Entrance is on Struben Street, Pretoria. There will be screening. Participants are requested to come early.
For more information, please contact:
Mr Popo Maja
Department of Health Spokesperson
Mobile: 072 585 3219/082 373 1169; Email: popo.maja@health.gov.za
