Tobacco use has consistently been associated to diseases such as lung disease, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.

However, as per latest World Health Organization (WHO) advice, smokers have a 40-50 % increased chance of suffering serious illness and mortality from Covid-19.

Health professionals have advised smokers to stop because it is more important today than ever.

Every year on May 31, the world observes World No-Tobacco Day. The topic for this year is "Pledge to Quit." Given the link between Covid-19 severity and cigarette usage, raising awareness about quitting smoking has never been more important.

"World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) is a chance to raise awareness about the hazardous and lethal consequences of tobacco use and second-hand smoke exposure, and to prohibit tobacco in any manner," said Dr. Roderico H Ofrin, WHO Representative to India, in a statement.

As per WHO smoking puts fingers and presumably contaminated cigarettes in touch with the lips, increasing the likelihood of viral transmission from hand to mouth. Tobacco users who do not smoke may transfer the illness by spitting.

In accordance with the subject, the WHO, in collaboration with the global health organisation Vital Strategies, has initiated a countrywide mass media campaign to urge tobacco smokers to stop.

The "When You Quit" advertisement shows how smoking cigarettes or bidi can trigger heart attacks and raise the chance of severe Covid-19.

The WHO is sponsoring the "When You Quit" campaign, which has been prepared in numerous Indian languages and would be aired on All India Radio, MY FM, and Radio City in 15 states encompassing 169 districts with a high burden of tobacco use. Additionally, Vital Strategies will supplement the message's propagation through key online streaming sites like as Facebook, Hotstar, Voot, Zee5, SonyLiv, and MX Player.

As per health experts, the Covid-19 epidemic has also resulted in a stronger commitment among tobacco addicts to stop smoking (tobacco).

As per Dr. Pratima Murthy, Professor of Psychiatry and Head of the Department at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS) Bengaluru, this might be because the majority of the population were more at home due to Covid-induced lockdowns and were concerned about exposing their kids to tobacco smoking.