The Daily Star - Local NGO praised by WHO for anti-smoking campaign, June 14 2012

BEIRUT: A local anti-smoking campaign has been recognized for its awareness-raising efforts by the World Health Organization, in the run-up to a full ban on smoking in public spaces later this year.

The campaign, entitled “W Ba3den?!” (“And then what?!”), was conducted by the Islamic Health Care Organization, and highlights the dangers of smoking on health, as well as the business practices of tobacco companies and steps being taken by the WHO to fight the tobacco epidemic.

Every year, the WHO recognizes individuals or organizations in six geographical regions for their work in the area of tobacco control.

The “W Ba3den?!” campaign visited 33 schools across Lebanon to raise awareness about the dangers of smoking cigarettes and water pipes through a series of activities, competitions, games and plays.

The campaign’s organizers and supporters told a news conference at the Press Federation Wednesday how they contributed to the project.

Dr. Ghazi Zaatari, a professor at the American University of Beirut who headed the jury that evaluated the campaign’s various activities, said “Lebanon is facing a challenge, and it is waging war on one of the leading causes of mortality in the world.”

Wafia Antar, who headed the campaign, cited the WHO’s recognition as an important achievement and added that the group was determined to continue its efforts.

“W Ba3den?!” was conducted ahead of a September deadline for the full implementation of the anti-smoking law.

Beirut MP Imad Hout said, “3,500 smokers and victims of passive smoking are dying every year in Lebanon,” and added that the tobacco industry was doing quite well, since 60 percent of the population smokes.

“This is a frightening number. Smokers are getting younger day by day. This is why we should help people who want to get out of this vicious circle.”

Recent figures from the Health Ministry show that 46.8 percent of Lebanese men and 31.6 of women smoke cigarettes.

Parliament last year endorsed a law banning smoking in all enclosed public areas – the multiphase law does away with tobacco advertising and promotion, which includes billboards, magazine advertisements and tobacco company sponsorship of concerts.

http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Local-News/2012/Jun-14/176774-local-ngo-praised-by-who-for-anti-smoking-campaign.ashx#axzz1xnReWakn