"The booklet will contain guiding and informative facts and figures for individuals and organizations working to combat smoking in the Kingdom," general supervisor of the Health Ministry’s tobacco-control program Majid Al-Muneef told Arab News. He added that the contents of the book were in accordance with the guidelines set out by the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding tobacco control.

Al-Muneef said this year the ministry would focus on the theme that smoking has destroyed men and is now targeting women.

Recent figures from the WHO reveal that women constitute about a fifth of smokers worldwide, or around one billion people.

Al-Muneef said this percentage was growing. "We mention this striking truth at a time when the Kingdom witnesses a significant positive reaction to anti-smoking campaigns from the public and private sectors and social-service organizations," he said.

This year's slogan carries messages describing smoking as an epidemic and to warn people that tobacco companies are targeting young women.

"They have started to deceive girls and women through direct and indirect misleading slogans," said Al-Muneef.

According to the WHO's reports, women are a primary target of a tobacco industry that needs to attract new smokers, especially as half of those who currently smoke are expected to die prematurely as a result of their habit.

Aimed at producing a healthy generation, Al-Muneef said the ministry’s publication highlights the hazards and aftereffects of smoking and the subsequent social and environmental problems.

Smoking is the main cause of lung cancer, and if male breadwinners die early it renders their families financially crippled, causing social problems.

"We have also mentioned the plight of passive smokers who become innocent victims of the tobacco problem," he added

To observe the day in a fitting manner, Al-Muneef said that the Ministry of Health was working with the WHO to carry out a national study of smoking

rates among young men and women.

Further research will be carried out on smoking rates among the education community as well as students of both genders at medicine and health colleges throughout the Kingdom.

"A comprehensive study conducted on all segments of society will lead to a useful guide for planning effectively to combat smoking in the light of unlimited support from senior government leaders, including Health Minister Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah,” added Al-Muneef.

The Kingdom is also a signatory of the Tobacco Control Treaty launched by the WHO in May 2003.

According to the treaty, signatories should ban or restrict advertising and other marketing efforts by tobacco companies.

Health warnings should cover at least 30 percent of the surface of a pack of cigarettes and all materials used to make tobacco products should be listed on the packaging.

The agreement also urges governments to strengthen indoor-air laws, place high taxes on tobacco and act to stop the illegal trade of cigarettes.