By: Aisha Mohammed.
Tobacco smoking kills about 1.3 million people globally every year.
A recent report by the world health organization WHO revealed that, more than 37 million young people aged between 13 and 15 years smoke cigarettes globally.
The report by WHO further shows that people who inhale cigarette smoke coming from smokers are likely to fAll ill or are at risk of dying from heart disease, stroke, respiratory diseases, type 2 diabetes and cancers.
The 2023 WHO Global Report on Trends has shown that 22 countries in the African continent are on track to achieve a 30% reduction in tobacco smoking by the year 2025.
As part of efforts to end tobacco smoking the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in collaboration with Adamawa State ministry of health embarked on a sensitization meeting adopting the world health organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, to sustain a consistent momentum in tobacco smoking control by pushing for robust tobacco smoking regulations, stringent controls on its marketing strategies for both old and new cigarette products which are often designed to deceive unsuspecting public.
Director Public Health, Adamawa State Ministry of Health, Isaac Kadala revealed that Adamawa State Government is set to map out innovative measures to win the fight against tobacco smoking.
Making reference to the New Tobacco smoking Control Act 2015 and Regulations 2019 which emphasized on smoke-Free public places, resource persons Peter Unekwu working with Management Science for Health and Solomon Adoga working with Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Center said implementing smoke-Free policies and best practices will bring lasting solutions to tobacco smoking in the society.
They therefore urge well meaning individuals to join the fight against tobacco smoking for a healthier society.
Owners, and Managers of public places like hotels recreational facilities bar among others in Adamawa State who showed concern over the harmful effects of tobacco smoking pledged their support for the implementations of smoke Free policies.
The theme for 2024 World No Tobacco Day which is, “Protecting children from tobacco industry interference” is aimed at mobilizing international support to shield humans from the harmful effects of smoking cigarettes and to wade off deceptive strategies often used by tobacco industries to market their products.