The Indian battalion from the eastern sector of UNIFIL participated in the annual Marjayoun Health Awareness Race organized by the Lebanese Red Cross in cooperation with Atallah Sports Club. The race was organized in support of the World Day to Prevent Smoking, which is celebrated every year on May 31st. This event was organized to make people aware of the dangers of smoking and encourage people to celebrate it as the World Day to Prevent Smoking.
The race was organized on Marjayoun Street. The event was attended by local residents from the age groups of 10 years and over and 30 officers and soldiers from the Indian battalion. “It is a matter of great concern that recent reports by the World Health Organization (WHO) have revealed that 45 percent of males and 35 percent of females in the country are smokers and rates of lung cancer are among the highest in the region, both male and female,” said Colonel Dehindra Singh. Or females. It is therefore the duty of everyone to raise awareness among the local population about the dangers of smoking and promote a healthy way of life.
The Lebanese Red Cross provided support staff along the way the race was organized and played an active role in running the event. The enthusiastic participants of the local people at the event, especially children and adolescents, pointed to the new trend among the local population to support the cause. The participation of the Indian battalion was highly appreciated by the local population and welcomed, and the participants from the Indian battalion won four medals. This showed that the mutual trust between UNIFIL and the Lebanese people is the key to maintaining stability and building a healthy and prosperous future for Lebanon.
