Funchal Hosts World No Tobacco Day Roundtable to Boost Health Literacy
Madeira GuideFunchal's City Hall organized a roundtable on World No Tobacco Day, highlighting the importance of health literacy and prevention in combating tobacco use.
On May 29th, 2026, the Municipality of Funchal marked World No Tobacco Day by hosting a significant roundtable event at the Municipal Assembly Hall. This initiative, under the theme 'Tobacco-Free Planet - A Challenge for Everyone,' aimed to enhance public awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and promote smoking cessation among the community.
Helena Leal, the City Councilor responsible for health, presided over the opening session. She emphasized the critical need for a collaborative approach to health promotion, involving institutions, schools, families, health professionals, and the broader community. Leal highlighted that tobacco smoking remains a major public health threat linked to respiratory, cardiovascular, and oncological diseases.
Promoting Health Literacy
Leal stressed the importance of early health education, equipping children and young people with credible information and critical thinking skills to make healthier choices. She pointed out that prevention is one of the most effective tools to reduce tobacco consumption and prevent new addictions.
'Unmasking the Appeal – Combatting Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction,' the World Health Organization's theme this year, underscores the need to continue informing, sensitizing, and supporting those who wish to quit smoking.
The event gathered health professionals, community representatives, and partner organizations to discuss strategies and share insights on reducing tobacco use. Leal acknowledged the ongoing efforts of these groups in promoting a tobacco-free society.
Sources
Madeira Guide
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