As part of efforts to discourage young people from taking up the habit of tobacco use in Qatar, Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Tobacco Control Center has launched an anti-smoking campaign in local schools.

Recently, students at Khalifa Independent Secondary School for Boys participated in an awareness seminar that covered the physical and psychological damage caused by tobacco use.

 Staff from HMC provided students with educational materials and answered questions as part of the awareness event. Students also participated in an activity to measure the level of carbon monoxide in their system after learning how smoking tobacco increases the level of carbon monoxide in the blood. 
Smokers, or people exposed to second-hand smoke from tobacco products, have increased levels of carbon monoxide in the blood which can lead to shortness of breath and an increased heart rate, along with numerous other diseases and health conditions.
Dr Ahmad al-Mulla, head of the HMC Tobacco Control Center, said HMC also hosted an awareness exhibition at Ali Bin Abi Taleb Preparatory School for Boys as part of HMC’s outreach programme to educate the community about the dangers of tobacco use. During the exhibition, staff distributed educational materials, measured the level of carbon monoxide in the system of visitors, and answered questions about the dangers of smoking. 
“When a person smokes a cigarette, poison from the tar enters their blood and negatively impacts their health, for example by raising their blood pressure and heart rate. Smoking can cause narrowing of the arteries, coronary heart disease, and stomach and lung cancer. Smoking can also severely affect the digestive system, contributing to problems like acid reflux, heartburn, and peptic ulcers. It can lead to higher blood sugar levels, chronic headaches, insomnia, and kidney damage. All of this is in addition to the negative psychological effects, including increased anxiety and tension,” said Dr al-Mulla.
Dr al-Mulla said that the school awareness campaign uses evidence-based strategies to educate students on the negative health consequences of tobacco use. He said many of the Tobacco Control Center’s community outreach programs target young people, as statistics indicate at least 11% of smokers in Qatar are school students.