By Kemi Yesufu
Regional Director of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr. Matshidiso Moeti has called the Nigerian government and other African countries to do more to further raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use.
This is as he disclosed in statement to mark World No Tobacco Day 2018, that in the African Region, about 146 000 adults aged 30 years and above die every year from tobacco-related diseases.
The WHO director also called for effective measures to reduce tobacco demand which can be accomplished in a short time and at reasonable cost such as increasing tobacco taxes and prices.
Every year on 31 May, WHO and its partners observe World No Tobacco Day to highlight the dangers associated with using tobacco, and to press for policies to reduce tobacco use.
This year’s theme: “Tobacco and Heart Disease,” focuses on tobacco use as a key risk factor for developing heart and related diseases, including stroke.
The statement read in part: “The tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced, killing more than 7 million people each year.
“Tobacco breaks hearts. Tobacco use and exposure to second-hand smoke contribute to about 12 percent 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.
“When tobacco users die prematurely in their productive years, families lose loved ones and income, and economic development is negatively affected.
“Although concrete actions and measures exist to stem the tide of tobacco related diseases, Many people are unaware that tobacco is one of the leading causes of heart disease and stroke”.
“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. This requires strong leadership, political commitment and an informed civil society working together to press for heart-healthy policies and the right to health.
“World No Tobacco Day is a chance for governments and the public to take firm action. Today, I call upon Member States to implement measures which we know will strengthen tobacco control as found in the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control”, the statment further read.
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