Praia, Cabo Verde. The World Health Organization (WHO), in partnership with the Ministry of Health, through the Coordination Commission on Alcohol and Other Drugs (CCAD), the National Institute of Public Health (INSP) and other partners, took part this Saturday, 30 May, in the civic march marking World No Tobacco Day, observed annually on 31 May. The initiative took place under the slogan “Unmasking the Appeal: Combating Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction”. 

The event brought together students, health professionals, institutional representatives and members of the community, gathering at the Achada Grande Trás Primary School in the city of Praia, from where the civic march set off through the streets of the community, promoting awareness messages about the risks associated with tobacco and nicotine use. 

This year’s campaign aims to highlight the strategies used by the tobacco and nicotine industry to make their products more appealing, particularly to young people, children and adolescents, thereby contributing to increased addiction and early use. 

Following the march, institutional addresses were given by the CCAD, WHO, INSP and the management of Achada Grande Trás Primary School, emphasizing the importance of multisectoral actions in tobacco prevention and the protection of younger generations. The event also included the presentation of prizes to the winners of the poster competition marking the occasion. 

WHO’s participation in this initiative reaffirms the organisation’s ongoing commitment to supporting Cape Verde in implementing policies and strategies for tobacco prevention and control, in line with health promotion, the protection of young people and the creation of healthier environments for all.

“By exposing the strategies used to promote tobacco and nicotine products, we are protecting the health of future generations and reinforcing the right of children and young people to grow up free from addiction,” said Edith Pereira, representing the WHO during the event.

World No Tobacco Day provides an opportunity to reinforce the collective commitment to reducing the burden of tobacco-related diseases and accelerating actions that promote healthier and more resilient communities.