A thematic exhibition “Value Your life. Quit Smoking!" dedicated to the World No Tobacco Day, is on show Documents of International Organizations Reading Room (room 207g), from May 25 to June 22.
This Day, celebrated annually on May 31, was proclaimed in 1988 by the World Health Organization (WHO) at the 42nd World Health Assembly (resolution WHA42.19) to draw the world's attention to the problem of tobacco dependence and its consequences for all mankind.
Tobacco consumption is one of the most significant threats to the health of the world's population. According to the WHO, more than 8 million people die from its consequences every year, of which more than 1.2 million are non-smokers exposed to tobacco smoke. Besides, the “tobacco epidemic” causes great economic damage in the form of increased health care costs and loss of human capital as a result of disease and death caused by smoking. Despite this, tobacco use is still widespread throughout the world.
In response to the global "tobacco epidemic", the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) was developed as the first global public health treaty. It was adopted by the World Health Assembly on May 21, 2003 and entered into force on February 27, 2005. To date, 182 countries have acceded to the Convention, accounting for more than 90% of the world's population.
The Republic of Belarus signed the Convention on June 17, 2004, and ratified it on September 8, 2005, thereby committing itself to accept all its conditions at the national, regional and international levels in order to permanently and significantly reduce tobacco consumption. Advertising of tobacco products is prohibited in the country, the requirements for their packaging have been changed in accordance with the requirements of the WHO FCTC, some work to create smoke-free areas is underway, smoking is prohibited in a number of public places. Nevertheless, smuggling cigarettes has become a state business.
In December 2020, in preparation for World No Tobacco Day 2021, the World Health Organization launched a year-long "COVID-19 pandemic – a reason to quit tobacco" campaign. With the onset of the pandemic, millions of tobacco users have expressed a desire to overcome their tobacco dependence. The campaign aims to help at least 100 million people trying to get rid of their addiction.
The exhibition presents more than 60 documents. Among them are books, brochures, periodicals, and booklets. The following thematic sections are on display:
- Healthy lifestyle: prevention of tobacco addiction
- Psychological aspects of tobacco addiction
- Smoking and its health effects
- Tobacco-free life: how to quit smoking
The exhibition will be of use to health care professionals, social and medical workers, teachers, university students, as well as anyone interested in tobacco addiction problem and health issues and healthy lifestyles.
The opening hours of the exhibition correspond to the library’s opening hours.
Admission is by the library card or by the Social and Cultural Centre ticket.
The books presented at the exhibition can be ordered through the electronic catalogue of the National Library of Belarus.
For more info: (+375 17) 293 27 28.
Official Documents Service Department
