Saudi Arabia is the fourth largest in the world in tobacco consumption, said Osman Ramadan, executive director of Kafa, a Jeddah-based charity that aims to raise awareness about the harms of smoking and drugs. He quoted statistics from the World Health Organization.

More than 6 million people in the Kingdom are smokers, with the number increasing, and the youth accounting for more than 60 percent. As for tobacco sales, about SR12 billion worth of tobacco is sold annually. Every year about 30,000 people die due to smoking.

Kafa helps smokers kick the habit, said Ramadan, noting that it has already helped more than 35,000 smokers in Jeddah and nearby cities over the past year through its various branches. Such numbers are a big achievement for Kafa, which was established in 2004, he said.

“We welcome anyone who is serious about giving up smoking. They only have to pay a fee of SR120.”

Seven specialized physicians supervise the participants in six sessions over six days, each for an hour and a half.

The organization also has a women’s division to help women quit smoking, although their numbers are less than men.

The organization also receives cases of drug addiction. Several specialists handle these cases, providing psychological sessions before individuals are transferred to Al-Amal Hospital, to receive proper rehabilitation and care.

Ramadan appealed to all individuals affected by these bad habits to seek help immediately to preserve their health and avoid lung and respiratory diseases, as well as possible tumors, cancer, and other diseases.