Tobacco use is one of the leading causes of preventable death and disease in the world. According to the World Health Organization, tobacco kills more than 8 million people each year, and more than 7 million of those deaths are the result of direct tobacco use while around 1.2 million are the result of non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke.
India is the highest consumer of tobacco in the WORLD – it has the highest Oral Cancers and the highest death due to tobacco every day. With about 5500 youths starting tobacco every day and 3700 die every day. A Sustained activity at the school level will bring a change in society.
Tobacco use also harms the environment, contributing to deforestation, soil erosion, water pollution, and climate change. Moreover, tobacco use imposes a huge economic burden on society, as it increases health care costs, reduces productivity, and lowers the quality of life of smokers and their families.
To combat this global health threat, we need to mobilize all sectors of society, including educators. Teachers play a vital role in shaping the attitudes and behaviors of young people, who are the most vulnerable to the influence of tobacco industry marketing and peer pressure. Teachers can also serve as role models for their students by not using tobacco themselves and by promoting a tobacco-free culture in their schools and communities.
That is why we are launching a new initiative called TEACHERS as ANTI – TOBACCO MARSHAL. This initiative aims to empower teachers to become agents of change in the fight against tobacco. By joining this initiative, teachers will receive training and resources on how to educate their students about the harms of tobacco use, how to help them resist tobacco initiation and quit if they already use it, and how to advocate for tobacco control policies at the local and national levels.
Teachers joining this initiative will also become part of a network of like-minded educators who share best practices and experiences on implementing effective tobacco prevention and cessation programs in their schools. They will also have the opportunity to participate in various events and activities that celebrate their achievements and recognize their contributions to the tobacco control movement.
If you are a teacher who wants to make a difference in the lives of your students and your community, we invite you to join TEACHERS as ANTI-TOBACCO MARSHAL today. Together, we can create a tobacco-free generation and a healthier world for everyone.
Join the ICanCaRe Tobacco MARSHAL program – mail to tobaccomarshal@gmail.com
