Experts highlights Qatar's efforts to combat smoking on 'World No Tobacco Day'

“The world marks No Tobacco Day annually on May 31, an international observance launched by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to enhance awareness of the health, social, and economic menaces of tobacco and to encourage stronger policies aimed at curbing its spread among all members of society. For the 2026 campaign, the WHO adopted the theme *Unmasking the Appeal – Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction, reflecting growing global concern over modern marketing techniques that target younger age groups. The WHO estimates that tobacco kills more than 7mn people annually through preventable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, and chronic respiratory illnesses. The impact extends beyond smokers themselves, as exposure to secondhand smoke also poses serious health risks to non-smokers. While tobacco remains one of the world's most pressing public health challenges, it also imposes a substantial economic burden through healthcare expenditures and productivity losses resulting from illness and premature death. Dr Anas Adel Qalfa, a specialist at the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC)’s Wellness Department, spoke to the Qatar News Agency (QNA) about Qatar-led efforts to combat smoking in its various forms. He noted that Qatar has established clear regulations governing the sale and distribution of tobacco products, with measures that include prohibiting the advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of tobacco products and banning their sale to individuals under the age of 18, as well as preventing their sale in the vicinity of schools and educational and training institutions, and prohibiting smoking in enclosed public places, with violators subject to legal sanctions. Dr Qalfa indicated that the nation's strategy does not rely solely on public awareness campaigns; rather, it adopts a broader approach, combining regulatory policies, oversight, the protection of younger age groups, and direct treatment services for those seeking to quit smoking. Through healing services and smoking-cessation clinics, he stressed that the PHCC projects itself as a leading national platform that is closer to the community, translating these efforts into preventative and practical therapy. These services, he underlined, include medical consultation, pharmacological treatment, and persistent follow-up under the supervision of trained and accredited physicians, supporting individuals throughout their smoking-cessation journey. Dr Qalfa highlighted that modern smoking-cessation protocols are based on the principle that nicotine dependence is a treatable medical condition rather than merely a bad habit. He noted that treatment extends beyond medication or general advice, beginning with a comprehensive assessment and incorporating behavioural counseling, pharmacological treatment when necessary, and regular follow-up. The journey toward smoking cessation, Dr Qalfa stressed, begins with a clinic visit. During that process, he said, healthcare professionals assess patterns of tobacco use, identify triggers and expected symptoms, and develop a practical plan tailored to the individual. Dr Qalfa affirmed that the WHO has consistently maintained that behavioural counseling and pharmacological treatment can significantly increase the chances of successfully quitting smoking. Individuals may not succeed on their first try, he continued, particularly if they use multiple tobacco products or live in environments where exposure to tobacco and nicotine is prevalent. He emphasised the importance of following a practical treatment plan based on the proper use of cessation therapies, including drinking plenty of water, maintaining daily physical activity, regulating sleep, reducing exposure to triggers, avoiding hunger and fatigue, and adopting simple coping techniques such as deep breathing or delaying the decision to use tobacco for ten minutes until the craving subsides. Regarding the role of technology and smart applications in supporting cessation programmes, Dr Qalfa said that technology should be treated as a supportive tool rather than a standalone treatment. He outlined that an effective application is one that is linked to reliable health content, respects user privacy, and reinforces the treatment plan established by the physician.

Summary generated from the RSS feed of Gulf Times Education. All article rights belong to the original publisher. Click through to read the full piece on www.gulf-times.com/community/education.