REPORT OF WORLD NO TOBACCO WEEK 2025
World No Tobacco Day is observed annually on May 31st, aims to raise global awareness about health risks associated with tobacco use and to advocate effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption. The aim of World No Tobacco Day is to raise awareness, protect future generations, expose unethical tactics and support quitters. The purpose is to annually inform the public on dangers of using tobacco,and WHO is doing to fight the tobacco epidemic and what people around the world can do to claim a healthy lifestyle. The theme for 2025 is “Unmasking the appeal, exposing industry tactics on tobacco and nicotine products”.
To commemorate World No Tobacco Day, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Azeezia College of Dental Science and Research and NSS unit (NSS/SFU/KLM/KUHS/3) organized various activities starting from 26/5/2025 to 31/5/2025.
On 26/5/25 an oral Screening and Health awareness camp was conducted by Department of Public Health Dentistry, Azeezia College of Science and Research at Creative Institute Kottarakara. The camp started at 10:00 a.m and a total of 34 patients were screened and 30 patients were referred to Azeezia Dental College for further treatment. 14 patients were referred to Department of Periodontics, 8 patients to Orthodontics and 2 patients to Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. A Health awareness talk on the topic “Oral hygiene and Malocclusion” was given by Dr. Aparna A Sunil and patients were educated about oral hygiene and brushing techniques. The program was concluded at 1:00 p.m .
An Oral Screening and Health awareness camp was also conducted on 28/5/25 at Creative Institute, Kottiyam.The program commenced at 10:00 a.m. A Health awareness talk about “Oral Hygiene and Malocclusion” was given by Dr.Aparna A Sunil. A total of 28 patients were screened and 24 patients were referred to Azeezia Dental College for further treatment. 10 patients were referred to Department of Periodontics, 2 patients to Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 10 patients to Orthodontics and 17 patients to Endodontics and Conservative Dentistry. Patients have also been educated about oral hygiene and brushing techniques. The camp was concluded at 1:00 p.m.
On 29/5/25 a Dental exhibition and Distribution of pamphlets regarding ‘Oral Cancer prevention’ was conducted at Palliative Care Centre, Chinnakada , Kollam. The Distribution of pamphlets were done at the palliative care centre and in the nearby places to the public. Patients in the palliative care were educated about oral hygiene, oral cancer and its prevention and brushing techniques. A talk about the palliative care centre, its duties and its role in society was given by Dr. Karunakaran and Dr. Rani. After the interactive session the visit was concluded at 1:00p.m.
On 30/5/25 a oral screening and Health awareness program was conducted at Mind Revival Rehabilitation Centre , Kallambalam. The camp commenced at 10:00a.m followed by oral screening and a total of 48 patients were screened. A total number of 4 orthodontic cases, 9 extraction cases, 11 restoration cases , 44 periodontal cases and 4 prosthodontic cases were examined . After oral screening an informative talk on “Dead diction and treatment procedures” was given by clinical psychologists Mr. Ebenzer and Mr. Sandeep, followed by an interactive session with Mr.Rufose John . After the interactive session the camp was concluded at 1:00p.m. A Pledge taking ceremony and Seminar on ‘Substance Abuse’ was organized on 31/5/25. The programme commenced at 10:00 a.m followed by pledge taking ceremony by Dr. Rathy R – Principal of Azeezia College of Dental Science and Research followed by orientation seminar on the topic “Substance Abuse” was given by Dr. Aarathy Vijayan – Head of Department, Public Health Dentistry. The informative seminar mainly focused on third year BDS students who were educated about the side effects, how health is affected and how exercise helps in habit breakage related to substance abuse. The main goal of the seminar was a drug free zone in and near college premises. After the interactive and informative session the programme was concluded at 1:00 p.m .
In conclusion, World No Tobacco Day underscores the ongoing struggle against tobacco and nicotine addiction, a major public health threat. The activities and programmes conducted were informative to students and to public. The aim was to raise awareness in students and public , which was achieved.
