Tobacco kills 7 million people yearly – WHO

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

The World Health Organisation (WHO), yesterday said tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced, killing more than 7 million people each year.
WHO Regional Director, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti said “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.
Moeti said 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.
While speaking on this year’s theme: “Tobacco and heart disease,” Moeti said “in the African Region, about 146 000 adults aged 30 years and above die every year from tobacco-related diseases. When tobacco users die prematurely in their productive years, families lose loved ones and income, and economic development is negatively affected”.
She said although concrete actions and measures exist to stem the tide of tobacco related diseases, “more needs to be done to further raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use. Many people are unaware that tobacco is one of the leading causes of heart disease and stroke.”
Moeti further said that 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.
“Effective measures to reduce tobacco demand which can be accomplished in a short time and at reasonable cost include increasing tobacco taxes and prices, which will save lives as well as generate money for governments. Other steps include creating completely smoke-free indoor workplaces and public places, instituting hard-hitting warnings and graphic pictures about the dangers of smoking on cigarette packaging, and banning tobacco advertisement, promotion and sponsorship.
“In addition, every person can play a role in promoting healthy hearts by committing not to use tobacco, helping others to quit, and protecting all people, including family members, workers and children, from tobacco smoke.
“Eliminating tobacco use will help to protect hearts from breaking. Let us choose health, not tobacco.”