The President of the Republic of Liberia, Her Excellency Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has by Proclamation declared Saturday, May 31, 2014 as “World No Tobacco Day” to be observed throughout the Republic as a Working Holiday.

A Foreign Ministry release notes that the Government of the Republic of Liberia, being mindful of her duty to protect the health and welfare of her citizens and foreign residents, will join the health partners and the rest of the global community in the observance of World No Tobacco Day under the theme: “Raise Taxes on Tobacco”.

According to the Proclamationglobally tobacco epidemic kills nearly 6 million people each year, of which more than 600,000 are non-smokers dying from breathing second-hand smoke, as various global initiatives are being taken to stop the epidemic.

The release further asserts that the intent of World No Tobacco Day 2014, is to call on countries of the world to raise taxes on tobacco, because unless they act, the epidemic will kill more than 8 million people every year by 2030 and more than 80% of these preventable deaths will be among people living in low and middle income countries.

Every year, on 31^st of May, World Health Organization (WHO) and partners commemorate World No Tobacco Day, highlighting the health risks associated with tobacco use and advocating for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption, noting that Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of death globally and is currently responsible for 10% of adult deaths worldwide.

The Proclamation also request the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and other Government Agencies as well as International and local Organizations concerned to initiate and execute appropriate programs befitting the occasion.