Funchal Hosts World No Tobacco Day Roundtable to Combat Smoking
Madeira GuideFunchal celebrated World No Tobacco Day with a roundtable focusing on health literacy and smoking prevention. The event emphasized collaborative efforts to reduce smoking in Madeira.
On May 29, 2026, the Municipality of Funchal hosted a significant event to commemorate World No Tobacco Day. Held at the Municipal Assembly Hall, the roundtable gathered health professionals, community representatives, and partner organizations to discuss strategies for reducing smoking and promoting health literacy.
Under the theme 'A Tobacco-Free Planet - A Challenge for All', the event aimed to raise awareness about the health risks associated with smoking and encourage smoking cessation. Helena Leal, the councilor for Health, emphasized the importance of collective efforts in tackling tobacco addiction, which remains a major public health issue.
Leal highlighted the need for early health education to empower children and young people with credible information and critical thinking skills, helping them make healthier choices. She stressed that prevention is one of the most effective tools in reducing tobacco use and preventing new addictions.
Reflecting on the World Health Organization's theme for the year, 'Unmasking the Appeal - Combating Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction', Leal warned against marketing strategies that target young people, underscoring the need for continuous education, awareness, and support for those wishing to quit smoking.
The roundtable served as a platform for exchanging ideas and strategies, fostering a collaborative approach to health promotion across various sectors, including schools, families, and health professionals. This initiative is part of a broader effort to combat tobacco use in Madeira, where smoking-related diseases continue to pose significant health challenges.
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Madeira Guide
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