Tobacco Control is Necessary for Achieving the SDGs

Tobacco Control is Necessary for Achieving the SDGs

A seminar was held on the importance of tobacco control for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the conference room of Health Sector, Dhaka Ahsania Mission on 11 May, Saturday. Speakers said that tobacco control is very important in achieving the SDGs, stronger implementation of tobacco control law is necessary to protect children from the harms of smoking, and activities to attain SDG – 2030 should be emphasized in making a tobacco-free Bangladesh by 2040.

Mr. Iqbal Masud, Director, Health Sector, Dhaka Ahsania Mission, has discussed elaborately on this topics. Dr Sohel Reza Chowdhury, Head of the Epidemiology and Research of National Heart Foundation also gave a power point presentation on this issue. Mr Azmal Hossain, Head, Voice; Abdus Salam Miah, Grants Manager, Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids (CTFK) ; Mr. Muhammad Kamal Uddin, Executive Director, NATAB; Mr. Shafikul Islam, Business In-charge, Bangla Tribune; Shahnaj Sharmeen , Chief Reporter, Nagorik Television spoke in the seminar as Guest Speaker . Besides, Coordinator of National Anti Tobacco Platform (NATP), Director, Program of Gram Bangla Unnayan Committee and representative from AID Foundation, WBB Trust, TCRC and SUPRO were present at the occasion. Mr. G.F Hamim, Acting Program Director, Dhaka Ahsania Mission delivered the closing speech.

The Speakers mentioned that all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are being influenced by the effect of tobacco usage. So they urged to all concern to take multi dimensional activities for tobacco control which ultimately leads to achieve SDGs.

It may be mentioned that DAM Health sector has organize this event as part of its two months long anti tobacco campaign.