Recent WHO reports indicate that tobacco use continue to kill more than 5 million people worldwide each year and this number is expected to grow. Novartis a leading pharmaceutical company in the region along with ExHealth is rolling out No Tobacco Campaign 2010, 15th May – 11th August, a three month initiative in UAE to highlight issues of smoking and to implement a tobacco free nation.
"With such risk in sight Novartis feels the need to unite efforts in implementing a tobacco free nation as a responsible corporate citizen" said Fayez Awadeh - Brand Manager - Novartis Consumer Health
The first phase of the campaign, 15th May to 31st May, will visit popular malls across Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Dubai in close interaction with mall visitors through campaign stands which will offer nicotine tests, free consultation with doctors and ’Quit Smoking’ membership drive for people to sign up for.
Confirmed mall partners for this campaign are Khalidiyah Mall and Al Wahda Mall in Abu Dhabi, Sahara Mall and Qanat Al Qasba in Sharjah and Dubai Festival City in Dubai.
Nicotinell offers a unique Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) to help smokers who sign up to break their smoking habit. NRT is one of the safest methods available. The 12 week program provides a measured dose of nicotine to help reduce the cravings until smokers are completely smoke free.
In partnership with MOH, Novartis consumer health has taken numerous bold initiatives to make UAE smoke free, for instance, Sponsoring six MOH smoking cessation clinics in Dubai, Ajman, Sharjah and Ras Al- Khaimah. The clinics provide free consultation and subsidized medication to all UAE residents. More than 8000 patients have already been treated through the clinic program. Another great initiative taken was educating and training pharmacists about smoking cessation programs through Novartis pharmacist Academy.
Cigarette smoking is known to be the main cause of mouth, esophagus, pharynx and bladder cancers. It also has a role in the development of stomach, kidney, pancreas, and some forms of leukemia. The harmful effects of tobacco do not end with smoking cigarettes. Cigars, pipes and smokeless tobacco products also cause lung, larynx, esophageal and oral cancers. Scientific evidence has also established that exposure to tobacco smoke or second hand smoking causes death, disease and disability.
"As responsible members of the society each and every person should expand and intensify efforts to reduce tobacco use. National smoke free laws is of paramount importance considering that tobacco use is one of the leading causes of preventable death and also hinders economic development when smoking claims the life of the productive members of the country", said Dr. Prem Jagyasi, MD and CEO – ExHealth.