Tobacco kills eight million Nigerians, other nationals annually: WHO
The World Health Organisation (WHO) says the tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health challenges the world has ever faced, killing more than eight million people, including Nigerians, globally every year.
WHO Africa’s regional director Matshidiso Moeti disclosed this in her message to commemorate ‘World No Tobacco Day’, celebrated every May 31.
Ms Moeti said the organisation joined the rest of the international community to commemorate the day with the theme ‘Grow food, not tobacco’.
The WHO official stated that the theme aimed to raise awareness about alternative crop production and marketing opportunities for tobacco farmers and encourage them to grow sustainable, nutritious crops.
According to her, the theme also seeks to expose the tobacco industry’s efforts to interfere with attempts to substitute tobacco growing with sustainable crops, thereby worsening the global food crisis.
“It calls on all of us to explore how food and agricultural policies make adequate nutritious food and healthy diets available while reducing tobacco production,” she said.
According to her, Africa is experiencing an increase.
For instance, Ms Moeti noted that adult smokers increased in the WHO African region from an estimated 64 million in 2000 to 73 million in 2018.
“The tobacco industry’s strong marketing campaigns and increased tobacco product production are also contributing factors to this,’’ she said.
Ms Moeti appealed to tobacco-growing countries in the Africa Region to step up the implementation of Articles 17 and 18 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC).
According to her, such can be done by enacting legislation, developing and implementing suitable policies and strategies, and enabling market conditions for tobacco farmers to shift to growing food crops.
The WHO director added that such would help their families with a better life while enhancing the protection of the environment and people’s health.
“With such action, we will be growing food, which our populations need, not tobacco,’’ Ms Moeti said.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Heading 1
My govt will prioritise critical infrastructures to grow economy, make life easier for Nigerians: Atiku
The presidential candidate promised to reconnect farms to markets, factories to consumers, communities to opportunity and Nigerians to one another.
Heading 5
10 things you should know about late veteran actor Olu Jacobs
He appeared in over 300 films and TV series.
States
Two arrested over alleged murder of inspector in Imo commissioner’s residence
Mr Henry said, “The incident is a painful reminder of the risks and sacrifices police officers face in the discharge of their duties.”
States
Families of slain cops receive N8.07 million life assurance benefits in Yobe
Mr Chuwar thanked the police authorities for remembering the families of deceased officers.
States
‎Fire service saved N680 million property at Dangote varsity: ControllerÂ
The statement said the fire was caused by damaged electrical wiring.
States
Troops rescue seven kidnap victims in Benue
Mr Zabairu said the operation was conducted as an intelligence-led search and rescue mission.
