WHO ramps up war on tobacco (video included)

The World Health Organisation has called on national governments to strengthen tobacco control in line with the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. It comes amidst concern about the growing number of deaths linked to tobacco use around the world. In Africa alone, some 146,000 adults aged 30 years and more die every year from tobacco-related […]

The World Health Organisation has called on national governments to strengthen tobacco control in line with the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

It comes amidst concern about the growing number of deaths linked to tobacco use around the world.

In Africa alone, some 146,000 adults aged 30 years and more die every year from tobacco-related diseases.

Their deaths in their productive years rob families of loved ones, income, and economic development, WHO warned.

“The tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced, killing more than 7 million people each year,” said Matshidiso Moeti, WHO regional director for Africa, in a statement marking May 31 World No Tobacco Day in Abuja.

“Tobacco breaks hearts. Tobacco use and exposure to second-hand smoke contribute to about 12% of all heart disease deaths.

“There is no safe level for people, particularly children, women and workers, who have to be in the same room as smokers. 

The Framework for Tobacco Control calls for effective measures to reduce tobacco demand, and says it can be accomplished in a short time and at reasonable cost.

The measures include imposing tobacco taxes and prices, creating completely smoke-free indoor workplaces and public places. It also calls for hard-hitting warning and graphic pictures about the dangers of smoking on cigarette packaging.

Additionally, it calls for a ban on tobacco advertisement, promotion of sponsorship.

“Policies that regulate tobacco, promote smoke-free environments and encourage people to quit smoking will contribute to improving the health and well-being of all people,” said Moeti.

“This requires strong leadership, political commitment and an informed civil society working together to press for heart-healthy policies and the right to health.