Voices Against Tobacco Holds Improve Theatre for Tobacco Awareness and Prevention - Press Release issued by The Indus Hospital.

Karachi -- January 26, 2023 (PPI-OT)

Following is the text of press release issued by The Indus Hospital (TIH)

Quote

Voices Against Tobacco (VAT), an initiative of Indus Hospital and Health Network (IHHN), hosted notable guests, staff, and the public for an impactful theatre performance on the impact of tobacco at The Indus Hospital - Korangi Campus on January 25, 2023.

This event was held to engage the public, private sector, and policymakers in dialogue on the impact of tobacco use, especially on marginalized communities, and the need for improved tobacco control advocacy. It was done in partnership with Brand Accord and the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CTFK).

The senior leadership from IHHN attended the event, including Dr. Abdul Bari Khan, President of IHHN; Mashhood Rizvi, Executive Director of IHHN's Communication and Resource Directorate; and Dr. Saima Saeed, Director of IHHN's Lung Health Program and Consultant Pulmonologist. Representatives of AKU, SIMU, SPARC, SSDO, and PANAH were also present.

Following a recitation of the Holy Quran, opening remarks were given by Dr. Samia Saeed, who briefed the audience on the widespread impact of Tobacco on the people of Pakistan and the work being done by VAT to counter it. This was followed by an exciting and engaging theatre performance that sent a clear message about the prevalence of tobacco in marginalized communities and its impact on the youth. The play also touched upon tobacco sellers placed near schools which is illegal.

Speeches were given by Mr. Muhammad Iqbal Memon, Commissioner of Karachi; Jibran Siddiqui, CEO of Brand Accord; and Dr. Ghulam Mustafa, Managing Director of STEVTA. All thanked the team at IHHN and particularly its Community Engagement Centers (CEC) for their instrumental role in making the campaign possible. They also expressed hope for partnering with IHHN in future healthcare initiatives.

Afterward, Certificates were distributed to the team members involved in making the campaign a resounding success. Closing remarks were given by Dr. Abdul Bari Khan, who thanked the audience, the team at IHHN, and the partnering organizations for their hard work and efforts in strengthening Pakistan's primary healthcare.

"For the last 15 years, IHHN has worked to improve the health and livelihoods of communities across Pakistan to improve Pakistan's health indicators. With Pakistan having a growing youth population, IHHN places utmost importance on protecting the health...