Muscat -The campaign, aimed at curbing tobacco consumption and its harmful effects, was launched under the slogan ‘You Don’t Deserve It’.

The event was held under the patronage of Her Highness Sayyida Dr. Mona bint Fahd Al Said, Assistant Vice Chancellor for International Cooperation at Sultan Qaboos University and Chairperson of the National Committee for Combating Non-Communicable Diseases.

Speaking on the occasion, His Excellency Dr. Ahmed bin Salem Al Mandhari, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health for Health Planning and Regulation, underscored the grave threat tobacco use poses to public health. He cited scientific evidence and statistics from the World Health Organization, which estimates that tobacco causes over five million deaths annually – a number that could rise to more than eight million by 2030 if decisive action is not taken.

H.E. Dr. Al Mandhari also highlighted the impact of tobacco on children, noting that 700 million children, nearly half of the world’s child population, breathe in air polluted by tobacco smoke. In 2004, 28 percent of deaths from second-hand smoke were among children, amounting to 600,000 deaths globally.
Dr. Nawal bint Ali Al Rashidi, Director of the Department of Health Education and Awareness Programs at the Ministry of Health, presented a visual overview of the campaign. The presentation included details of the national initiative aimed at raising awareness of the harms of tobacco, followed by a debate on the overall impact of tobacco use.

The campaign officially launched today with the slogan ‘You Don’t Deserve It’ is supported by an art exhibition showcasing anti-tobacco paintings. These artworks are part of the broader effort to engage the public and emphasize the severe health risks posed by tobacco use.
The Ministry of Health will continue to lead the charge in supporting public health initiatives in Oman, with the national campaign set to run for one year, beginning today, with the possibility of extension. The goal is to reduce tobacco-related harm and ultimately curb this growing public health issue within the Sultanate.