No butts, just stub it out, smokers told

The campaign has adapted a number of ways to convey the message to smokers. The unhealthy effects of smoking have been clearly displayed in brochures, posters and other materials.

Lectures to highlight the dangers of smoking attracted a large number of smokers and non-smokers alike. A free medical check-up to detect the amount of nicotine in the blood was also conducted.

Dr Ibrahim Jaber, who is in charge of the "Fighting Smoking Habit" campaign in the Protective Medicine Department, said: "Many people realise the dangers of smoking, yet they continue to smoke. This is quite unethical and very bad for the environment. The results of smoking are well known to many, even to those who have not yet joined the school. There are many cases where smokers have managed to quit the habit.

"It takes guts and determination to become a smoke-free individual," said Dr Jaber. "It is important to encourage the new generation not to start the habit. The danger isn't confined to the smokers; it extends to other family members and the neighbours as well.” Dr Hassim Abbas, who is in charge of the University Network's Student Activities, said: "We have also distributed a large number of cassettes and pamphlets to smokers and non-smokers to help them learn about the danger they are in."