Al-Saleh: Our participation in the 'Day Before Tomorrow' campaign to raise awareness of smoking risks

Dr. Khaled Al-Saleh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Kuwait Association for Combating Smoking and Cancer, stated that the association’s participation in the “Today, Not Tomorrow” campaign was in response to an invitation from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Health Council, as part of joint Gulf efforts to raise community awareness of the dangers of smoking and to encourage individuals, especially youth, to quit and adopt healthy lifestyles.

Al-Saleh explained that the association’s participation reflects its commitment to supporting Gulf health initiatives and enhancing cooperation with the GCC Health Council, noting that unifying awareness messages helps consolidate a culture of prevention and curb the spread of smoking among various segments of society.

He pointed out that the association has intensified its awareness activities in collaboration with the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET) and Kuwait University, by participating in several field events targeting students and youth. These activities included distributing educational brochures, displaying awareness models, and providing health guidance on the harms of smoking and its link to chronic diseases, primarily cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses.

Al-Saleh praised the fruitful cooperation with the two educational institutions, emphasizing the important role of educational institutions in spreading health awareness and protecting youth from the dangers of smoking and tobacco and nicotine products in all their forms.

He stressed the importance of integrating awareness campaigns with smoking cessation services, clarifying that the association continues to support those wishing to quit through its specialized clinic, which aims to help them overcome nicotine dependence and improve their quality of life.

He noted that the campaign’s slogan, “Today, Not Tomorrow,” carries an important awareness message affirming that prevention begins with a decision made today, and that postponing smoking cessation means continuing exposure to its health risks. He called on young people not to underestimate smoking or be swayed by misleading concepts that promote certain nicotine products as safe alternatives.

In conclusion, Al-Saleh renewed his thanks and appreciation to the GCC Health Council for inviting the association to participate in the “Today, Not Tomorrow” campaign, and to PAAET and Kuwait University for their cooperation. He affirmed that protecting society from the harms of smoking is a shared responsibility that requires coordinated efforts from both official and civil sectors.

He concluded by saying: “Our message to every smoker is to start today, not tomorrow, as the decision to quit smoking is a genuine investment in health, life, and the future.”

Al-Saleh urged those wishing to quit smoking to take advantage of the free services offered by the association’s smoking cessation clinic. For inquiries and registration, they can contact the association’s clinic at 94704366, or the association’s smoking cessation clinic located at Kuwait University in Sabah Al-Salem City, College of Life Sciences, by calling (24633099).