ARS-Bangladesh has been actively leading anti-smoking initiatives to address the health risks posed by tobacco use, especially among rural communities and day laborers who remain largely unaware of the severe health consequences. As part of this effort, ARS-Bangladesh is a completely smoke-free organization, and new staff members are consistently educated on the dangers of smoking and encouraged to join anti-smoking campaigns at the workplace.
Operating primarily in the Jashore district, the program has reached over 3 million people, driving a positive impact through various activities. Key efforts include collaborative discussion meetings with healthcare professionals, social service officers, social scientists, and NGO representatives. Additionally, extensive public awareness campaigns are conducted, leveraging Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials. ARS-Bangladesh also commemorates World No Tobacco Day annually to further spread awareness. Through these sustained efforts, ARS-Bangladesh is committed to reducing tobacco use and fostering healthier, smoke-free communities across its areas of operation.