Derick Tsimba

Zimbabwe has joined the rest of the world in commemorating the World no Tobacco Day 2019 under this year’s theme “Tobacco and lung health, don’t let tobacco take your breath away.”

Commemorations were held today at Dzvivarasekwa Stadium in Harare where a Cabinet Minister vowed to promote the community to live a drug free life by signing a health pledge.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Obadiah Moyo said he had signed a health pledge to live a drug free life and promote drug free living in the community.

“I have signed a health pledge to live a drug free life and to promote drug free living in the community, those people I influence today during the World no Tobacco Day commemorations should stop drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking  and live a drug free life in this community,” said the Minister.

The Minister of Health also said young people should walk away from tobacco and substance abuse to safe guard their health.

“On this World no Tobacco Day commemorations, we appeal to all young people to walk away from tobacco and substance abuse,” said Dr Obadiah Moyo.

The United Nations (UN) which was also present at the World no Tobacco Day commemorations, on its twitter handle said it was ready to work with the Government of Zimbabwe to reduce drug abuse.

“As the UN, we stand ready to work with the Government of Zimbabwe to reduce tobacco and drug use,” said the UN.

Harare Post has learnt that the World no Tobacco Day commemorations is an International day that seeks to fight against illicit drug trafficking and drug abuse affecting youths by giving them an opportunity not to choose tobacco which is affecting their health.