World No Tobacco Day-Seychellois urged to adopt tobacco-free lifestyles |31 May 2005

“I make an appeal to all Seychellois people; smokers, non-smokers, children, young people, senior citizens, parents, guardians, health professionals and fellow citizens to choose the healthy option of staying tobacco-free for good, for their own health and that of a healthy society,” says Health & Social Services minister Vincent Meriton in his message on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day being celebrated on Tuesday.

As proof of Seychelles’ active participation in worldwide efforts to promote a tobacco-free environment, Minister Meriton cites advanced policies for tobacco control in the country, including a virtual ban on advertising and promotion of tobacco products, as well as on-going programs by the government and non-government organisations to raise awareness of the dangers of smoking among children, adolescents and adults.

The minister also recalls that Seychelles was the first country from the AFRO Region to ratify the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in 2003, with the subsequent setting up by the Seychelles Government of legislation that will be compliant with the requirements of the Convention.

“These are clear indications to the citizens of Seychelles and the rest of the world that Seychelles takes tobacco control very seriously,” says the minister.

In his message the minister also stresses the need for young people to never take up smoking and for their environment not to encourage them to smoke.

Noting that it is equally important for parents and guardians to be aware of the negative impacts that passive smoking can cause, Minister Meriton call on them to promote a smoke-free environment at home.

Talking about this year’s theme for the day, which is “Health Professionals in Tobacco Control”, Minister Meriton says that health professionals generally have high credibility with the general population and reach a high percentage of people.

Noting that they can help patients quit smoking and can be outstanding role models for non-smoking, Minister Meriton says that health professionals should also play a predominant role in preventive measures, especially when considering the youth.

“They have the opportunity to promote social norm change and forewarn children and adolescents on the dangers of tobacco,” the minister says, adding that a series of training sessions for health professionals have been organised to help them assist patients and clients to quit smoking.

Minister Meriton has also urged all the health professionals to take tobacco control measures seriously.