May 31st each year is commemorated as World No Tobacco Day. The day is meant to highlight the health risks associated with tobacco use, and to advocate effective policies towards reducing tobacco consumption.
Tobacco kills nearly six million people each year, out of which more than 600,000 are non-smokers dying from breathing second-hand smoke. The theme of this year’s campaign is “Ban tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship.”
The aim is to help reduce the number of tobacco users and help keep young people from becoming addicted to the use of tobacco.
The dangers associated with tobacco smoking are well-known by many, including the smokers, manufacturers and traders, yet tobacco is highly consumed in many countries, including The Gambia.
Even though it is prohibited to promote and publicise tobacco in the country, the commodity is still widely consumed in the country.
But with this global ban, we hope that more impact will be made as far as reducing vulnerability is concerned.
Despite the measures, many people are becoming addicted to tobacco consumption in the country, especially among the youth.
While commending WHO for their bold step, we urge producers and industries to cooperate and abide by the new policy directive of WHO.
Health is wealth and we need to accept the realities that tobacco has serious effects on our lives as indicated above.
Finally, we commend all those campaigning for the control of tobacco for their efforts.