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The Tobacco Control Office (TCO) of the Department of Health (DH) called on members of the public to support World No Tobacco Day 2011 tomorrow (May 31) to help create a smoke-free environment in Hong Kong.
A DH spokesman took the opportunity to urge smokers to quit smoking so as to enjoy a healthier lifestyle and protect others from the hazards of secondhand smoke. The public may seek smoking cessation services through the DH's Integrated Smoking Cessation hotline at 1833 183.
As of May 29, 2011, a total of 9 230 calls had been received by the department's smoking cessation hotline, more than twice the number of calls (4 504) received in the corresponding period last year.
From January to April 2011, around 43% of smokers who called DH's smoking cessation hotline indicated that their attempt to quit smoking was due either to the proposed increase of tobacco tax or their wish to save money.
To further enhance its smoking cessation service, the DH has commissioned the University of Hong Kong to operate a Youth Quitline (2855 9557), the first smoking cessation hotline targeting young smokers aged between 12 and 25.
The TCO is now developing a new e-learning programme to enhance the knowledge of healthcare professionals in delivering smoking cessation services. The programme will be launched in the second half of this year.
Members of the public are welcome to visit the TCO's webpage on "World No Tobacco Day 2011" for more information at www.tco.gov.hk/english/whatsnew/wntd_2011.html.
Ends/Monday, May 30, 2011
Issued at HKT 19:06
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