FJDC promotes awareness against tobacco use

KARACHI: Upholding its commitment to combat tobacco use, the Fatima Jinnah Dental College (FJDC) recently organised an awareness session for students, faculty, and staff featuring informative discussions, complimentary dental checkups, and highlighting the dire consequences of smoking and other forms of tobacco consumption.

Conducting the session, Dr Hussain Askary, FJDC CEO, and Head of Community Dentistry, spoke about various types of tobacco, associated dangers, and the diseases linked to its consumption.

The discussion shed light on emerging products like Vape and how tobacco companies target young females. Attended by students, faculty, and university staff, the seminar also facilitated dental screenings for 150 individuals at the Institute of Business Management (IoBM), providing referral cards to those requiring treatment.

The initiative aimed to educate students about the dangers of prolonged tobacco use, exploring treatment options for potential addicts and rehabilitation measures.

Dr. Askary strongly advocated for heavy regulation to curb tobacco access to young adults.

Drives against tobacco globally highlight the health risks linked to its consumption, besides creating awareness, endorsing tobacco-free living, advocating for policies, and supporting efforts against addiction.

FJDC, recognising the collective power of individuals, communities, and governments, also encourages other organizations to join the fight against tobacco.

Tobacco stands as a leading global cause of preventable illness and death, claiming over 8 million lives annually, as per World Health Organization (WHO) estimates.

World No Tobacco Day, conceived to address this crisis, serves to educate and mobilize communities against tobacco-related health concerns.

In Pakistan alone, a staggering 210,000 people succumb to smoking-related diseases each year. Recognizing the urgency, FJDC emphasises the need for proactive measures and awareness initiatives.