Health promotion campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of smoking among youth need to be intensified, as the impacts not only affect individual health risks but also have the potential to burden the public health system.
This issue was highlighted during a seminar, “Enhancing Productivity and Quality of Life Among the Academic Community by Promoting a Smoke-Free Lifestyle and Substance Abuse Prevention,” held at the UGM Faculty of Animal Science (Animal Science UGM) Auditorium on Friday (Aug. 9).
The seminar, organized by Animal Science UGM, featured two 2024 UGM Anti-Drug Ambassadors, Ahmad Fikri Zauoki and M. Zaidan Zianurrahman Ghozali.
Zauoki emphasized that the health impacts of smoking among the younger generation significantly affect the demographic bonus expected in 2030.
“Young smokers today are at risk of developing chronic diseases from smoking when they reach productive age,” said Zauoki.
He explained that the prevalence of smokers in Indonesia remains high at 33.5 percent in 2021. The number of smokers has increased annually from 59.8 million to 68.9 million.
“Smokers in Indonesia often start smoking at a young age, between 15-19 years,” he added.
Given this situation, Zauoki hopes there will be increased awareness and education about the harmful effects of tobacco, which pose health risks and burden the public health system.
At the same event, M. Zaidan Zianurrahman Ghozali, an IUP FKKMK student and UGM Anti-Drug Ambassador, highlighted the importance of engaging in positive activities to steer individuals away from drug use.
“Substances can lead to addiction and various social problems,” added Ghozali.
Report by: Animal Science UGM/Satria
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Photo: Freepik
Post-editor: Afif