Smokers are not selfish

Last updated
Smokers are not selfish
SloganA small sacrifice from me, a big gift for my beloved.
Slogan (in Nepali)मेरो सानो त्याग, मयालुको लागि ठुलो उपहार
LocationNepal
DateFebruary 1–14, 2024
PurposeInspire individuals to quit smoking
OrganizerDr. Om Foundation
OutcomeMore than 1700 individuals pledged to quit smoking and more than 200 stopped smoking

Smokers are not selfish is an health campaign taking place in Nepal with the aim of inspiring individuals to quit smoking. [1] This event spaned two weeks, culminating on February 14, 2024, which aligns with Valentine's Day and Vasant Panchami. [2] This initiative has captured public attention, leading to smokers making commitments to quit the habit. [3] According to reports, more than 1700 individuals pledged to quit smoking during this campaign, which is organised by Dr. Om Foundation. [4]

Contents

Background

In alignment with Hindu mythology, Vasant Panchami is associated with the worship of Goddess Saraswati, symbolizing knowledge and wisdom. The launch of this campaign on Valentine's Day holds special significance, as it encourages individuals to make a meaningful sacrifice, expressing love to their dear ones by giving up smoking with a purposeful intention. [5] [6]

Tobacco use in Nepal

According to the STEPS survey II carried out in 2019 by Nepal Health Research Council and the government of Nepal with technical support from the WHO, 28.9% of adults (aged 15–69 years) use either smoked or smokeless tobacco products. [7] Among them 17.1 percent are currently smoking. The average age for initiation of smoking among those who smoke daily is 17.7 for men, 18.4 for female and 17.8 for both sexes. [8]

Health impact

Out of 8 million deaths due to tobacco consumption per year worldwide, 1.3 million are attributed to passive smoking which mainly affects children, elderly and chronic diseased individuals. Among 1.3 billion tobacco users across the world, 80 percent of burden is in lower and middle income countries like Nepal that further signifies the importance of this campaign. [9] [10]

Slogan

According to reports, over 500 people have pledged to quit smoking midway through this campaign. Many individuals have committed to quitting smoking and are embracing the slogan "a small sacrifice from me, a big gift for my beloved." In Nepali the name of slogan is “ मेरो सानो त्याग, मयालुको लागि ठुलो उपहार [11] [12]

Public participation

A 35-year-old man from Lalitpur tried to quit smoking 20 to 25 times in the past but failed every time. Then he joins this campaign and successfully quit smoking and express his feelings in this way,

“I feel I would succeed 100 percent this time in quitting smoking and You motivated me to quit cigarette." He thanks Dr. Om Murti Anil, leader of this campaign, and expresses his desires to meet him when he completely stops smoking.” [13]

In his editorial for Nagarik Daily, Editor-in-Chief Gunaraj Luitel highlights the distinctive and constructive nature of the ongoing campaign. He encourages individuals to contribute their support at their respective levels for this noteworthy public initiative. [14] School children are being involved in quiz, poem and art competitions on smoking and it’s ill effects. This campaign is taking place all over Nepal on virtual platform in initiation of Dr. Om Foundation. With this novel initiative, It’s thought that such involvement may prevent teenagers to get involved in harmful use of tobacco products. [15] [16] [17] [18]

Free health screening

1700 individuals who stopped smoking as part of this campaign received personal calls and underwent comprehensive health screenings, including free tests for sugar levels, cholesterol, ECG, and Echo to detect any heart ailments, performed by National Cardiac Center Kathmandu. [19] They were encouraged to remain smoke-free and received ongoing counseling and support to prevent relapse. This individualized approach along with cardiovascular risk screening was central to the campaign's strategy to help participants maintain their decision to quit smoking. National Cardiac Centre had also committed to provide similar care and support to those who promise to quit smoking in future. [20] [21]

School health education

School children are enthusiastically participating in enjoyable anti-smoking and tobacco awareness activities. Through engaging in various competitions, they not only have a good time but also gain valuable knowledge about the harmful effects of tobacco on health. [22] About 19 thousand school students participated in different awareness activities organised by Dr. Om Foundation. A new concept of involving school going student in anti smoking campaign appeared to be effective. [23]

Related Research Articles

Sushila Singh also known as Sushila Singh Shilu was the first female justice of the Supreme Court of Nepal. She served as a Supreme Court justice for five years. She was also the first woman to serve as a senior advocate.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Loktantrik Samajwadi Party, Nepal</span> Social democratic party in Nepal

The Loktantrik Samajwadi Party, Nepal is the tenth largest political party in Nepal. The party has a significant presence in Madhesh Province and Lumbini Province of Nepal. The party's election symbol is a bicycle.

The People's Progressive Party is a political party in Nepal. Although the party's primary base is in the Terai Madhesh area of Madhesh and Lumbini provinces, it has tried to expand to a pan-Nepalese base.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Terai Madhesh Loktantrik Party (2021)</span> Social democratic political party in Nepal

The Terai–Madhesh Loktantrik Party is a political party in Nepal. Although the party's primary base is still in Terai Madhesh of Madhesh Province only, it has tried to expand its throughout Terai and Tharuhath regions of Nepal.

Surendra Raj Pandey is a Nepalese politician belonging to Nepali Congress. He is the current chief minister of Gandaki Province and was appointed to the post on May 29, 2024. Pandey is the Parliamentary Party leader of the Nepali Congress in the province and is member of from Gorkha 2(B). Pandey has previously served as Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly. He is also the Central Working Committee member of Nepali Congress.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Om Murti Anil</span> Nepalese cardiologist

Om Murti Anil is a Nepalese cardiologist, author and social media personality. He is the founder of National Cardiac Centre in Kathmandu. He has published two books: Ma Pani Doctor (2013) and Jiwanta Sambandha (2023). He has more than a million followers on facebook, where he shares his guidance and motivational posts on leading a healthy lifestyle.

Ashish Aviral(Nepali:आशिष अविरल ) is a Nepalese Playback Singer, music composer and music arranger. He was born on 4 June 1980 in Baglung district of Nepal.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vidhan Karki</span> Nepali film director

Vidhan Karki director of Nepali films and music videos. He has been directing Nepali videos for over a decade and has studied a two-year course in film-making from the United States of America. He has directed more than 100 music videos along with short films, documentaries, and some television commercials.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kushal Shrestha</span> Nepalese karate player

Kushal Shrestha is a former Nepalese Karate player and the National Karate Team's head coach. He was born in Dhankuta, Koshi Province, Nepal. Currently, he is preparing the Nepali National Karate Team as a head coach for the 19th Asian Games, which are going to be held in China from September 23 to October 8, 2023. 

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Roshani Rasaili</span> Nepalese singer (born 1984)

Roshani Rasaili is a Nepalese folk and duet singer of Nepal. She is known for her contributions to the Nepali music industry. She was born in 1984 in Baglung District of Nepal. Rasaili started her musical career in 2009 with the release of her debut song, "Kati Palayo Dali". With a career spanning 14 years in the musical field, she has become a prominent figure in both duet and folk singing. ''Mutu bijhaune" was the first music album in her musical carrier.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bishnu Khadka</span> Music video and movie editor

Bishnu khadka is Nepalese Movie and Music video editor. He was born on 1985 in Solukhumbu, district of Nepal. He is known from his popular song jail "Pani sahula". He has been actively involved in music industry from 2007 AD.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rishi Lamichhane</span> Nepalese movie director

Rishi Lamichhane is a Nepalese movie and television serial director. He was born on July 7 on Nepal. He was the director of Nepali Movie Huwaldar Suntali.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Om Sunar</span> Nepali playback singer

Om Sunar is a renowned Nepali playback singer. He was born on March 16, 1987, in the Surkhet district of Nepal. His permanent residency is in Kailali, Sudurpashchim Province. Since beginning his career in 2009, He has sung more than 250 songs. He is a specialist in Nepali folk music and Indian classical music. He completed his B.A. in music from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Tribhuvan University and is currently pursuing his master’s degree at the same institution.

Tobacco use in Nepal is a common practice. Smoking cigarettes is the most common mode of tobacco use in Nepal. Tobacco is attributed to cause over 27000 annual deaths in Nepal.

Binaytara Foundation Cancer Center (BTFCC) is a non-government hospital located in Janakpurdham Madhesh Province Nepal. The foundation provides services for cancer diseases. BTFCC is currently running a 25-bed cancer center at Janakpur, Nepal.

Koili Devi Chaudhary is a Nepalese politician and currently serving as the deputy speaker of the Sudurpashchim Provincial Assembly. She is currently serving as a member of the 2nd Sudurpashchim Provincial Assembly. In the 2022 Nepalese provincial election she was elected as a proportional representative from the Tharu people category.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shiba Subedi</span> Nepali Song writer

Shiba Subedi is a Nepalese lyricist and songwriter born in August 1988 in the Parbat District of Nepal. He is known for his popular song "Gham Jasto Chamkilo Jun Hudaina," which was released in 2009 AD.

The Ministry of Health is a governmental body of Koshi Province in charge of formulation, implementation and monitoring of action plans related to the development and management of manpower related to health services, population, immigration and family planning in the Province level.

National Cardiac Center is a healthcare facility located in Kathmandu, Nepal, known for its public health initiatives.

Bishwambhar Pyakurel is a Nepali economist, author, and former ambassador of Nepal to Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

References

  1. "Family First: Dr. Anil's Love-Infused Anti-Smoking Initiative". GorakhaPatra. Retrieved 2024-02-03.
  2. त्यागौं, स्वास्थ्यखबर :: आफ्ना लागि नभए पनि मायालुको लागि धूमपान. "आफ्ना लागि नभए पनि मायालुको लागि धूमपान त्यागौं". आफ्ना लागि नभए पनि मायालुको लागि धूमपान त्यागौं. Retrieved 2024-02-03.
  3. Republica. "Senior cardiologist Anil urges to quit smoking for the sake of loved ones". My Republica. Retrieved 2024-02-03.
  4. Republica. ""Smokers Are not Selfish": School children actively engage in anti-smoking campaign". My Republica. Retrieved 2024-02-19.
  5. काठमाडौँ, नागरिक. "आफ्ना लागि नभए पनि मायालुको लागि धूम्रपान त्याग्न डा.ओममूर्तिको आग्रह". nagariknews.nagariknetwork.com (in Nepali). Retrieved 2024-02-03.
  6. "मायालुका लागि भए पनि धूमपान त्याग्न डा.ओममूर्तिको आग्रह". GorakhaPatra. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
  7. "A brilliant reason to quit tobacco - COVID-19". www.who.int. Retrieved 2024-02-03.
  8. "STEPS Survey II, 2019" (PDF).
  9. "Tobacco". www.who.int. Retrieved 2024-02-03.
  10. Theilmann, Michaela; Lemp, Julia M.; Winkler, Volker; Manne-Goehler, Jennifer; Marcus, Maja E.; Probst, Charlotte; Lopez-Arboleda, William A.; Ebert, Cara; Bommer, Christian; Mathur, Maya; Andall-Brereton, Glennis; Bahendeka, Silver K.; Bovet, Pascal; Farzadfar, Farshad; Ghasemi, Erfan (2022-08-30). "Patterns of tobacco use in low and middle income countries by tobacco product and sociodemographic characteristics: nationally representative survey data from 82 countries". BMJ. 378: e067582. doi:10.1136/bmj-2021-067582. ISSN   1756-1833. PMID   36041745.
  11. "सुर्तिविरुद्ध वरिष्ठ मुटुरोग विशेषज्ञ डा ओममूर्तिको अभियान, ५१३ जनाले त्यागे धुम्रपान". Healthy Khabar. 2024-02-08. Retrieved 2024-02-10.
  12. फाउन्डेसन, स्वास्थ्यखबर :: धूमपानविरुद्ध सचेतना अभियान सञ्चालन डा ओम. "धूमपानविरुद्ध सचेतना अभियान सञ्चालन डा ओम फाउन्डेसन". धूमपानविरुद्ध सचेतना अभियान सञ्चालन डा ओम फाउन्डेसन. Retrieved 2024-02-10.
  13. "'Smokers are not selfish' campaign to motivate people to quit smoking". kathmandupost.com. Retrieved 2024-02-19.
  14. काठमाडौँ. "धूमपानविरुद्ध 'माया अस्त्र'". nagariknews.nagariknetwork.com (in Nepali). Retrieved 2024-02-04.
  15. "धुम्रपानविरुद्धको अभियान : डा. ओम फाउन्डेसनद्वारा देशव्यापी विद्यालयस्तरीय प्रतियोगिता". Lokaantar (in Nepali). Retrieved 2024-02-08.
  16. प्रेस, नेपाल हेल्थ (2024-02-07). "'धूम्रपान विरुद्ध डा.ओममुर्ति को विद्यालय स्तरीय सचेतना अभियान'". Nepal Health Press | नेपाल हेल्थ प्रेस. Retrieved 2024-02-08.
  17. "National School Competition: Art, Quiz, and Poetry Contest". edusanjal.com. Retrieved 2024-02-10.
  18. "School-level open nationwide art, quiz and poetry competition in offing". English.MakaluKhabar.com. Retrieved 2024-02-10.
  19. Republica. ""Smokers Are not Selfish": School children actively engage in anti-smoking campaign". My Republica. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  20. "Dr. Om Foundation orchestrates campaign to address challenges of smoking cessation". Khabarhub. Retrieved 2024-02-17.
  21. काठमाडौँ, पवित्रा सुनार. "प्रेम दिवसमा 'खैनीचुरोट छाड्ने कसम'". nagariknews.nagariknetwork.com (in Nepali). Retrieved 2024-02-17.
  22. प्रेस, नेपाल हेल्थ (2024-02-09). "किन सानै उमेरमा बालबालिका चुरोट खान थाल्छन्?". Nepal Health Press | नेपाल हेल्थ प्रेस. Retrieved 2024-02-11.
  23. प्रतिबद्धता, स्वास्थ्यखबर :: डा ओम मूर्तिसँग १६ सय जनाले जनाए धूम्रपान नगर्ने. "डा ओम मूर्तिसँग १६ सय जनाले जनाए धूम्रपान नगर्ने प्रतिबद्धता". डा ओम मूर्तिसँग १६ सय जनाले जनाए धूम्रपान नगर्ने प्रतिबद्धता. Retrieved 2024-02-14.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)