DOH to help establish anti-vape, anti-tobacco student councils in PH schools

The Department of Health (DOH) is looking at helping form anti-vape and anti-tobacco student councils in schools around the country.

According to a statement on Tuesday, the planned anti-vape and anti-tobacco councils aim to influence students and inform them on the risks of tobacco and vape use.

Student leaders from Eusebio High School in Pasig City will establish the first anti-vape and anti-tobacco council.

The Health Department said its goal is to make schools vape- and tobacco-free through continuous campaigns with other government agencies, civil societies, and the youth.

Earlier, a pulmonologist warned students regarding the dangers and effects of third-hand smoke.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said a 2019 study revealed that 809,677 or 12.5% of Filipino youths were tobacco users, while 913,316 or 14.1% used electronic cigarettes.

According to a survey by the Global Burden of Disease in 2021, tobacco smoking was named as the top cause of deaths in the country, with 88,169 deaths recorded in 2021. —Jiselle Anne Casucian/RF, GMA Integrated News