Silver Spring, Maryland-The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) International is urging the observance of World No Tobacco Day, May 31, 2003, by making resources available, including a video, poster, and announcements that raise awareness of the dangers of tobacco use. Predicted to be the leading cause of death and disability by the year 2020, tobacco currently kills 3.5 million people around the world every year. This equals 10,000 deaths per day, according to the Coalition for World No Tobacco Day.

" ADRA is working diligently to increase the health, elevate the economic status, and improve the quality of life of millions of adults and children around the world in the bondage of tobacco," stated Charles Sandefur, president of ADRA International.

Last month, the manager of ADRA Mongolia's Tobacco Free Youth Project addressed members of the Mongolian Parliament on the dangers of tobacco. ADRA Mongolia's program focuses on smoking cessation, physician education, and lobbying for stricter tobacco control laws.

In Cambodia, ADRA is the first and only non-governmental organization to initiate smoking cessation programs, including a first-of-its-kind "Tobacco-Free Kids" program.

ADRA Morocco's tobacco education programs focus on students between ages 8 and 12, the ages smokers most often report their first use of tobacco. The program uses puppets to present the impact of tobacco then provides packets to teachers with additional activities.

" Although ADRA Stop Smoking programs are making great progress, much more remains to be done," reminded Sandefur. "ADRA strongly urges everyone to visit www.adra.org to learn ways each person can help in the promotion of tobacco-free programs."

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates approximately 1.1 billion people around the world smoke. As such, WHO annually sponsors World No Tobacco Day to call attention to the seriousness of the impact of tobacco on health.

ADRA's resources for observing World No Tobacco Day are available at www.adra.org or by calling 1.800.424.ADRA (2372).

Providing individual and community development and disaster relief without regard to political or religious association, age or ethnicity, ADRA is present in more than 120 countries.