Mobilize different sectors in the community to encourage smokers to kick the habit at Smoke-free Sup

World Health Organization has designated “Tobacco – a threat to development” as the theme of World No Tobacco Day 2017 (31 May) with the aims to encourage the governments to step up tobacco control efforts and to motivate individuals to contribute to making a sustainable smoke-free world either by committing to never taking up tobacco products or by quitting the habit. Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health (COSH) will launch a publicity programme with the theme of “Smoke-free Support Station” in order to engage different sectors of the community in promoting a smoke-free lifestyle, as well as to mobilize the public to encourage their family members and friends to quit smoking.

COSH, in collaboration with Radio Television Hong Kong Radio 1, organized a kick-off event today (28 May) to disseminate smoke-free messages through music performances, as well as to invite the public to join the “Smoke-free Support Station”. Officiating guests included Prof Sophia CHAN (Under Secretary for Food and Health), Dr Constance CHAN (Director of Health), Brian CHOW (Controller (Radio), Radio Television Hong Kong), Prof LAM Tai-hing (Chair Professor of Community Medicine & Sir Robert Kotewall Professor in Public Health, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong), Antonio KWONG (COSH Chairman) and Yolanda NG (COSH Vice-chairman).

Prof Sophia CHAN, Under Secretary for Food and Health remarked that the Government has adopted a multi-pronged approach to tobacco control including legislation, taxation, enforcement, education, publicity and provision of smoking cessation services to safeguard public health. COSH has spared no effort on publicity and education. Under the “Smoke-free Support Station” programme, smoke-free messages are disseminated among the mass public through a series of street and online promotion. It was hoped that a sustainable smoke-free world could be achieved with the concerted efforts of the Government and the community.

Antonio KWONG, COSH Chairman said, “Over 130 companies, non-government organizations, hospitals, smoking cessation service providers and schools supported and promoted the programme by setting up “Smoke-free Support Stations” across the territory to enhance public awareness on World No Tobacco Day. Through this ripple effect in the community, smoke-free messages will be spread to all walks of life.”

Healthcare professionals, patients and artists joined hands to promote the benefits of smoke-free lifestyle through live music performances. Performers included “MediMuse”, band of Dr William FOO (Hong Kong Anti-Cancer Society), Dr Martin WONG (Founder & Chairman of Hong Kong Prostate Foundation), TANG Cheuk-him (Regeneration Warrior who suffers from congenital heart disease), iPad Band “Goosebumps” formed by the handicapped, and Band of Cancer Information comprised of two former cancer patients. They shared information on smoking hazards and encouraged smokers to get rid of cigarettes. Artists Phil LAM, Lillian WONG, Robynn & Kendy and Akina FONG also called upon the mass public to show support to quitters and a smoke-free Hong Kong through singing performances.

Besides, a “Smoke-free Support Station” was set up and promotion collaterals were distributed. The mass public were invited to join the “Smoke-free Family”, deliver their supportive messages and share on social media to disseminate smoke-free messages among their network. For details of the programme, please visitwww.smokefree.hk/smokefreefamily or www.facebook.com/smokefreefamily.

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The guests showed support to quitters and a smoke-free Hong Kong.