JSMU holds anti-tobacco drive as adult tobacco use reaches 22.7 million

KARACHI: Jinnah Sindh Medical University held an awareness session on Monday under the theme Tobacco-Free and Drug-Free Campus, as the number of adult tobacco users in Pakistan was put at 22.7 million, including 14.5 million daily users.

The programme was organised on the directions of the Higher Education Commission and JSMU's Anti-Drug and Tobacco Committee. According to the university, the event was intended to support Sustainable Development Goal 3 on healthy lives and Goal 4 on quality education.

The university said the session formed part of activities marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. It added that another awareness programme had already been held at its Landhi campus on June 23 as part of an expanded anti-drug campaign.

Addressing the event, Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Amjad Siraj Memon said universities had a duty to encourage awareness and healthier choices in view of the scale of tobacco use in the country. He said students training for medical professions should lead by example in rejecting drugs and tobacco.

"This is not merely a ceremonial event but a practical step against a serious public health challenge. When 22.7 million people in our country are using tobacco, universities have a responsibility to promote awareness, consciousness, and healthy lifestyles. Our students are future medical professionals. They must set a positive example for society by saying no to drugs and tobacco today," he said.