The Gambia’s health stakeholders and authorities on Friday gathered at the premises of the Central Medical Store in Kotu, to commemorate World NoTobacco Day
The Director of Health Promotion and Education, Mr Modou Njai, on behalf of the minister of Health highlighted the ministry’s achievements in the fight against tobacco use. These, he said include the banning of tobacco in public places, tobacco advertising and with the coming of the 2016 Tobacco Control Act, which among others prohibits sending of minors to buy or to sell cigarette, display of cigarette in shops. All of this he said is geared towards breeding a healthy environment free from tobacco smoke.
Mr Njie calls on restaurant, hotel and bar owners not to allow their clients to smoke in their premises, to ensure it is a smoke-free place. He assured that the 2016 Act will be effectively implemented.
Mr Momodou Gassama, representing the WHO Rep. commended the Health ministry and government for their efforts in the fight against tobacco. He acknowledged that the issue cannot be addressed by one single entity; rather it requires collaborative efforts and contribution of all sectors to free the country from tobacco smoke.
Underscoring the danger of second-hand smoking, Gassama explained that when smokers smoke in a room, the chemicals stay in the room for 5 hours to the detriment of the non-smoker. This he said is what prompted the enactment of a comprehensive tobacco control Act to protect non-smokers from the effects of second-hand smoke.
Commissioner Alagie Kinteh, a member of the multi-sectoral working group, and Lamin Sonko of RAID The Gambia, both called on the public to do away with smoking to avoid the wrath of law.
The commemoration witnessed a march past by volunteers, health workers and a cross section of the society led by the scout band.
