The Ministry of Health (MOH), represented by the Department of Health Education and Awareness Programs, launched today (Wednesday) the "National Tobacco Harm Awareness Campaign" at the Arab Open University.
The event was under the patronage of H.H. Dr. Mona bint Fahd Al Said, Assistant Vice Chancellor for International Cooperation at Sultan Qaboos University and Chairwoman of the National Committee for the Fight against Non-Communicable Diseases. The ceremony was attended by H.E. Dr. Ahmed bin Salem Al Mandhari, MOH Undersecretary for Planning and Health Regulation, along with a number of officials from the Ministry of Health, directors general, department heads from health directorates across the Governorates of Oman, and representatives from various other government sectors.
H.E. Dr. Ahmed bin Salem Al Mandhari, MOH Undersecretary for Planning and Health Regulation, delivered an opening speech, stating that tobacco use in all its forms poses a significant threat to public health. He emphasized that scientific evidence, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO), confirms this threat. According to WHO statistics, more than five million deaths occur annually due to tobacco use, a number that could rise to over eight million by 2030 unless urgent action is taken to combat the tobacco epidemic.
Dr. Ahmed pointed out that estimates show approximately 700 million children—almost half of the world’s child population—are exposed to secondhand tobacco smoke. He also highlighted that, in 2004, children accounted for 28% of all premature deaths caused by secondhand tobacco smoke, which amounted to 600,000 deaths globally.
He stressed that combating tobacco is not merely a health issue but a collective responsibility requiring the concerted efforts of individuals and institutions to create a healthy environment free from this menace. Tobacco, he emphasized, is not only a threat to health but also a barrier to development and a source of suffering for millions of families worldwide. Unfortunately, tobacco usage has evolved, with a significant rise in alternative forms, most notably e-cigarettes. These have become a major threat due to their rapid spread and the increasing appeal to young people and adolescents, largely due to their design and ease of access.
Following that, Dr. Nawal Al Rashidi, Director of the Department of Health Education and Awareness Programs, presented a visual presentation outlining the details of the launch of the National Tobacco Harm Awareness Campaign.
The Ministry of Health continues to offer its distinguished services in support of the pioneering healthcare journey in Oman. The launch of the "National Tobacco Harm Awareness Campaign," which began today and will run for one year, is part of this ongoing effort. 
The campaign will be implemented in schools, public and private higher education institutions, various media outlets, public spaces, healthcare facilities, community educational activities, sports clubs, and the Omani Women's Associations.