'Breathe Life': a school competition was launched to prevent smoking and vaping

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The initiative, jointly coordinated by the **Ministries of Education, Social Development and Human Rights and Health, is aimed at sixth grade students in public schools in Santa Rosa.

The proposal is that through active research and graphic production, students will raise awareness about the risks of cigarettes, vaping, and secondhand smoke. The finalist projects will be voted on by the community on social media, and there will be significant prizes for the winning classes. The provincial government, through a collaborative effort between the Ministries of Health, Education, and Social Development and Human Rights, via the Undersecretariats of Social and Community Health, Education, and Sports, launched the second edition of the “Breathe Life” school contest.

The initiative aims to transform classrooms into spaces for reflection, research, and creativity to alert young people about smoking and new consumption trends. Since its official launch on May 31st—in the context of World No Tobacco Day—the contest offers an educational journey that engages children in caring for their own bodies and their environment. Participating sixth-grade classes will have until July 31st to submit their artistic creations. Subsequently, the exhibition of the works will take place from August 9th to 13th, culminating in a community vote via social media on September 4th.

The prizes include, for first place, a full stay at the “Natalio José Masseroni” Provincial Hostel in Pehuen Có for the entire school year until the end of November – with transportation provided by the group – while the second and third place winners will receive a voucher for educational materials for the Visual Arts subject.

Regarding the impact of the initiative, the Undersecretary of Social and Community Health, Cintia Zalabardo, highlighted to the Provincial News Agency the success of the previous experience and the expectations for this year: “This is a strategic action to raise awareness about healthy habits from childhood. In the previous edition, participation exceeded expectations with 32 educational institutions contributing through posters, brochures, and models.” The official emphasized the value of the educational process, stating, “During the first edition of the contest held last year, students researched, interviewed neighbors, and reflected on the role of passive smokers. Through art, they acquired knowledge that allows them to become multipliers of positive messages within their own families, sharing ideas about healthy eating, physical activity, and the importance of living in smoke-free environments.”

Global alert and commercial manipulation
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For her part, Patricia Aguiar, Director of Socio-Health Strategies, contextualized the importance of these local policies in light of the recent and alarming data from the World Health Organization (WHO).

The statistics reveal that at least 40 million children between the ages of 13 and 15 use tobacco globally, and more than 15 million teenagers already use electronic cigarettes, registering vaping rates substantially higher than those of adults.
In line with the 2026 international campaign, entitled “Unmasking the allure: countering nicotine and tobacco addiction,” the director warned about global strategies to attract new users through the use of synthetic nicotine, nicotine salts, and technological designs. She also emphasized the need to advocate for stricter public policies that prohibit Attractive flavors and advertising in digital environments.

Community Resources: The Smoking Cessation Clinic.
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Alongside school-based initiatives, the Ministry of Health reminded the public that the Provincial Health Network offers free, ongoing resources for adults who want to quit smoking. A key example of this community-based approach operates at the Villa Germinal Health Center in Santa Rosa.