Observing World No Tobacco Day today, the health ministry and the Bhutan Youth Development Fund, launched a nationwide youth-led campaign under the theme “Voices for a tobacco-free generation.” Aligned with WHO’s global message, the initiative aims to expose deceptive marketing by the tobacco industry targeting youth.
The day began with over 100 students from various schools in Thimphu walking from the Clock Tower Square to Yangchenphu school.
They carried banners to spread awareness and picked up trash, which included cigarettes butts and tobacco wrappers.
Through the campaign, they shared their aspirations toward achieving a tobacco-free Bhutan.
Chimi Dorji, Y-VIA Member of Yangchenphu HSS said “It has been three years since I became a member of Y-VIA. In that duration, from the many programmes aimed at stopping tobacco abuse, we have been creating awareness to the public. Additionally, we have been picking up cigarette butts. We took part in the event thinking that even if it’s a simple work, the significance is immense.”
Tandin Tshering Dorji, Y-VIA Captain of Yangchenphu HSS said “Being a youth volunteer and to create a tobacco-free Bhutan, we are creating awareness among the people on tobacco and drug related topics. I also want to contribute further by setting myself as an example by not abusing tobacco and drugs.”
Tshering Yangchen Dorji, Y-VIA Member of Bhutan Youth Development Fund said “As the world continues to develop, challenges related to drug and tobacco use are also on the rise. As health ambassadors, it is our responsibility to raise awareness about the harmful effects of substance abuse and support those who are trying to quit. Ultimately, if everyone understands the dangers of substance abuse, we can work together toward a drug- and tobacco-free world.”
This year’s campaign aligns with the World Health Organization’s global theme, “Bright products. Dark intentions. Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products.”
The initiative is a nationwide, youth-led movement that aims to expose how tobacco and nicotine industries target young people through deceptive marketing practices, while advocating for stronger public health policies.
Roma Pradhan, Programme Director of Bhutan Youth Development Fund said “Coinciding with the World No Tobacco Day, we aim to advocate on the negative impacts of abusing tobacco and drugs. So, the programme is about how the youth health ambassadors can help their friends who are into such habits.”
Tshewang Lhamo, programme officer of NCD Division said “Youth in schools across the country are creating awareness. If youth from a young age can create such awareness and make others understand, they would avoid tobacco use in the future, ultimately reducing the risks of getting associated diseases. It is also with the objective to have a positive impact on the environment.”
Through youth leadership and outreach, the stakeholders sought to highlight the importance of youth voices and cross-sector collaboration in shaping a healthier, tobacco-free Bhutan.
Kelzang Chhophyel
Edited by Kipchu
