By Lamarana S. Jallow
The Ministry of Health (MOH), with technical and financial support from the World Health Organisation (WHO) recently concluded a two-day stakeholder meeting to validate the pictorial health warnings on cigarette packets at Tendaba Camp in the Lower River Region.
When formerly approved by health authorities, the new pictorial health warnings will roll out within 90 days after official notification from the national health authorities.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Momodou Gassama, Health Promotion Specialist noted that tobacco use remains one of the leading preventable causes of deaths around the world, killing over 8 million globally each year. He said that 7 million people die from direct use of tobacco whilst another 1.3 million die each year as a result of exposure to second hand smoke.
He said non-communicable diseases mainly heart diseases, stroke, cancers, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (chronic lung disease) and debates are fuelled by five risk factors; namely tobacco use, unhealthy diet, harmful use of alcohol, physical inactivity and indoor air pollution. He said that tobacco use is a risk factor for all these diseases
He said it is worrisome to note that over 80% of the world’s estimated 1.3 billion smokers live in low- and middle-income countries.
Even though, tobacco use among adults aged 15 years and above has declined from 32.7% in 2000 to 22.3% in 20202, the risks associated with tobacco use are within us, Gassama remarked.
He commended The Gambia for its excellent tobacco control laws and regulations, adding that tobacco control needs a multi-sectoral approach. He commended the Ministry of Health for establishing a multi-sectoral tobacco control committee.
In conclusion, Gassama pledged WHO’s continued support to the health sector in controlling tobacco use in The Gambia.
For his part, Director of Health Promotion and Education Mr Micheal Mendy said the fight against the tobacco usage is everyone’s business and called on all stakeholders to support the initiative of preventing the occurrence.
Mr Samboujang Conteh, Executive Director of RAID Gambia also expressed similar sentiments calling on partners to support the Tabacco Control committee to execute its function in the Advocacy.
Other speakers included Seyfo Singhateh a member of the committee and Commissioner Alagie Kinteh of The Gambia Police Force, who both emphasised the importance of advocacy to curb the menace.
