Today, during the World No Tobacco Day celebrations, The U.A.E. Ministry of Health (MoH) and Novartis Consumer Health (NCH) announced the winners of the first anti-smoking creative competition in the U.A.E. Also, part of the event was a special recognition ceremony for 30 people, selected randomly from the 350 who successfully completed the smoking cessation program at the clinics. Present at the event was H E Mr. Humaid Al Quttami, U.A.E Minister of Health, Dr Abdullah Al Badah, Supervisor General, Tobacco Control Program for the GCC from Saudi Arabia and Dr Ahmed Abdel Karim Al-Mulla, Consultant, Hamad Medical Center, Qatar.
World No Tobacco Day is a celebration to mark the success of the initiatives implemented by the government as well as a day to highlight the public’s efforts and support. “I am proud of the results of the competition. The enthusiasm exhibited by the public through their entries is encouraging, as it is important to have their support as part of the Ministry’s anti-smoking campaign,” said H E Dr Humaid Al Quttami, Minister of Health.
Provided by NCH, the first prize winners in the young professionals and general public categories won 2000 dirhams each while the first prize winner of the students’ category received 1000 dirhams. Second prize winners of all categories received a full-day spa voucher from LeSpa at The Palace Hotel, Down-town Burj Dubai. In addition to the prizes, the winners will also have their posters included as part of the Ministry of Health’s 2009 anti-smoking marketing campaign. The winning posters may also be considered as a health warning printed on tobacco packaging, which is part of the upcoming anti-smoking tactic by the GCC Tobacco Control Strategy.
At the event the Minister presented certificates of accomplishment to 30 selected people who have successfully completed the smoking cessation program. “Today we pay tribute to the success of the public in their battle against the addiction. They are shining examples of motivation and dedication, two key ingredients necessary to give up smoking,” said the Minister. “It is refreshing to see so many people determined to make a positive change in their lives and I’m glad that we were able to be part of this.” he added.
During the event, Dr Abdulla Al Badah, Supervisor General Tobacco Control Program for the GCC from Saudi Arabia, gave an informative presentation on the Power of Media and how they can influence the Public. “The public look towards the media as a source to reinforce their social orientation. This is why the media plays a key part in the GCC-wide anti-smoking campaign. With their support and cooperation we can help build positive messaging that will encourage the people to make the right choice,” said Dr Al Badah.
In the past year, the Ministry of Health has been very successful in implementing the foundation of a strong anti-smoking campaign. During the latter process, the Ministry’s initiative has encouraged other conscientious organisations, like Novartis Consumer Health who has partnered with the Ministry to support all their endeavours. “We are happy to be part of the Ministry’s active approach towards smoking cessation. Our interests lie primarily in the betterment of the publics well-being and our responsibility is to support the Ministry so that they in turn can provide the public with all the necessary tools they need,” said Mr. Hatem Hamad, Operating Unit Head, Arabian Peninsula Novartis Consumer Health.
Furthermore, as one of the main event sponsors, and in a first ever for the region, Boots – the UK’s number one health and beauty store – has been running a GCC wide health advice campaign, ‘Ask Your Boots Pharmacist’. This campaign encourages residents who require immediate and impartial professional health advice, to discuss their health related questions with a Boots pharmacist, at any of the 26 stores across the region.
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