Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) and the Provincial Tobacco Control Cell Sindh (PTCC), Directorate General Health Services Sindh, announced the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) aimed at curbing tobacco use in the province.

This collaborative effort will focus on intensive awareness campaigns to educate the public, particularly young people, about the dangers of tobacco use. The ultimate goal is to create a tobacco-free future for the next generation of Pakistanis.

The signing ceremony occurred at 12:00 PM on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, and was attended by distinguished representatives from both organisations. These included: Dr. Zulfiqar Dharejo, Deputy DG Health/ Head of PTCCS; Mr. Tanveer Qaim Khani, Provincial Coordinator, PTCC Sindh; Dr. Jahan Ara Hassan, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Medical Superintendent, DUHS Ojha Campus; Dr. Ashar Afaq, Registrar, Prof. Dr. Iftikhar Ahmed Professor of Medicine & Dean of Medicine Department, Principal, Dow International Medical College DUHS; Mr. Tariq Shahid, Director Marketing, DUHS; Mr. Umair Zafar, Alumni, Marketing and Communications DUHS & focal person.

During the ceremony, Prof. Dr. Jahan Ara Hassan expressed her deep concern for the health problems caused by smoking. She pledged her support to the initiative and highlighted a potential future project: establishing a rehabilitation centre at the Ojha Institute of Chest Diseases to provide counselling and support for individuals seeking to quit smoking.

This partnership between DUHS and PTCC signifies a significant step forward in the fight against tobacco use in Sindh. Together, they aim to empower communities with the knowledge and resources necessary to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.