Tobacco Addiction On the Up in the Country

The Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr Richard Kamwi, says his ministry is prepared to fight against entities that want to derail the implementation of the legislation on tobacco control in the country. Speaking in Rundu last week during the commemoration of World No Tobacco Day, Kamwi said many Namibians continue to become dependent on the harmful substance. A survey conducted by the health ministry in 2009, shockingly revealed that 17 percent of school-going children between the ages of 10 and 12 had experienced smoking.

 This year's theme for World No Tobacco day was "Tobacco industry interference' - with a slogan, 'Tobacco industry tactics to undermine tobacco control must be exposed and resisted.' Kamwi said it is disappointing to note that after parliament passed the Tobacco Products Control Act, which was signed by the President two years ago, the British American Tobacco Industry wants the Act re-looked. "Although there have been attempts by government to establish regulations to control tobacco in the country, many Namibians continue to become dependent on this harmful substance," Kamwi said. According to the World Health Organization, every six seconds a person dies as a result of tobacco use which accounts for an estimated 5.4 million deaths across the world yearly.

 "One of the contributing factors is the tobacco producing industries that continue with their campaigns, attempting to affect the cause of regulatory machinery and engaging in social initiatives in order to promote the industry and its products," the minister said. Speaking at the same occasion, WHO Country Representative, Dr Andemichael Ghirmay, called for continued support to all concerned parties and individuals to raise awareness about the addictive and harmful nature of tobacco products and tobacco industries' interference with tobacco control policies and legislation. He also pledged the organization's support to its member states in the fight against tobacco industry interference. The health minister further called on Namibians to avoid companies promoting tobacco, emphasizing that no money can buy good health.