Ramadan anti-smoking campaign makes a dent

RIYADH: The nationwide campaign against smoking during Ramadan by the Ministry of Health has evoked a positive response, said a senior official from the ministry on Sunday.
Ali Alwadey, director general of the ministry’s Tobacco Control Program, said the program, “Ramadan nicer without smoking”, was launched during the first week of the holy month.
“We were able to conduct these programs in all public and private sector departments, public places, cafes, restaurants and shopping malls,” he said, adding that Ramadan is the best time for Muslims to quit smoking.
“There are 54 anti-smoking clinics, which include 10 mobile ones, throughout the Kingdom to assist smokers in kicking the habit,” he said.
Alwadey said Ramadan creates a conducive environment for smokers to quit because they abstain from smoking from dawn to dusk. It is not very difficult for smokers to continue to abstain at night from iftar to suhoor.
Emphasizing the spiritual side of the holy month, the official said: “The hand that touches the Holy Qur’an during the month, should definitely refuse to touch tobacco.”