BY JOY OFASIA
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services marked World No Tobacco Day with a special event at the Futsal Court in Honiara today. The celebration focused on the theme, “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products.”
Dr. Nemia Bainivalu, Deputy Secretary for MHMS, delivered the keynote address. He reminded the crowd of the importance of reflecting on progress made and the challenges ahead in fighting tobacco use.
“Today, as we join the global community in marking this day, we must renew our commitments to tackle one of the most preventable public health threats in the Solomon Islands and worldwide—tobacco use and nicotine addiction,” Dr. Bainivalu said.
He stressed the need to go beyond just raising awareness. “We have to make real changes in our lives and for our families,” he said. “This year’s theme urges us to expose and dismantle the deceptive tactics used by the tobacco industry to attract new users, especially our young people.”
World No Tobacco Day is observed every year on May 31 to highlight the dangers of tobacco use and encourage policies to reduce its harmful effects. Today’s event in Honiara is part of that global effort to create a healthier future for all.
