“Tobacco: Deadly in any form or Disguise”.
30 May 2006
Tomorrow, Wednesday, 31 May 2006 the Department of Health will join the World Health Organisation, (WHO) in its global campaign to raise public awareness about the harmful effects of the use of tobacco products.
WHO has dedicated this day, 31st of May otherwise known as, World No Tobacco Day to engage on a worldwide public education campaign aimed at warning communities about the dangers of using tobacco products. The international theme for this year is: “Tobacco: Deadly in any form or Disguise”.
South Africa identifies with this year’s theme because it is one of the countries where the so-called ‘’less harmful’’ tobacco products have flooded its market through the tobacco industry.
“The Department of Health supports the World Health Organisation in its call to discourage the people of the world not to use any form of tobacco products. The aim of the Department of Health is to assist smokers to quit smoking and encourage those who have not started, to sustain that behaviour and most importantly to live a healthy life-style, and also educate vulnerable people to cut out other habits that are threatening their health,” said the Director of Health Promotion in the Department of Health, Ms Zanele Mthembu.
“Tobacco addiction is a global epidemic that is increasingly ravaging countries and causes unnecessary diseases, disabilities and death. The tobacco industry continues to put profits and its own expansion before the health and development of struggling countries. As nations fight back the burden of diseases, tobacco companies continue to launch tobacco products that are disguised and considered to be ‘’less harmful’’ and more attractive. ”
“The South African government has a mandate to empower communities with knowledge that will enable them to make informed decision about these deadly tobacco products which are; pipes, snuff, snus, smokeless, cigars, clove, biddies and may be flavoured with fruit, mint, chocolate etc.
“All these products are deadly and addictive, and they deprive people the ability to make healthy choices. Uninformed families and individuals are at risk to use products that carry harmful substances and cause chronic diseases. The truth is that, it is possible to empower people to improve their own health and that of their families, friend and communities,” said Ms Mthembu.
The South African government, in its endeavour to protect and promote public health, has amended the existing tobacco legislation (Tobacco Products Control Amendment Act 12, 1999) to close the loopholes that have been exploited by the Tobacco industry but also to keep it in line with the World Health Organisation. The 2006 Bill has been approved by Cabinet and is awaiting Parliamentary processes.
Once this Bill is enacted amongst others, it will ban:
entry of anyone under the age of 18 in smoking areas,
placement of tobacco vending machines in any place either than smoking areas,
Sale of tobacco products in certain institutions like hospitals,
Smoking in certain outdoor areas.
Enquiries:
Zanele Mthembu (Director of Health Promotion)
Department of Health
Tel: 012-312-0165
Cell: 082-574-3777