Health minister’s message for World No Tobacco Day |31 May 2012

“We need to move on with the implementation of other measures of the Tobacco Control Act. Smokers should be well informed on the dangerous health consequences of tobacco use,” says Minister Larue in her message on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day today.
The full text of Minister Larue’s message reads:

“Today, May 31, we are commemorating World No Tobacco Day. Tobacco is the number one leading preventable cause of death. The global tobacco epidemic kills nearly 6 million people each year worldwide, of which more than 600,000 are people exposed to second-hand smoke.

“In a world undergoing economic upheaval, with populations ageing, chronic diseases on the rise, and medical costs soaring, tackling a huge and entirely preventable cause of disease and death is a priority.

“We know that tobacco directly harms the user’s health in multiple ways. We know that tobacco products kill their consumers: as many as half of persons who smoke during their entire life will die from a disease caused by smoking. Although smoking has decreased in Seychelles as a result of successful active measures for tobacco control since 20 years, smoking remains a leading cause of death in the country, particularly lung cancer, cancer of the throat and cardiovascular diseases.
“This year’s theme for World Tobacco Day is ‘Tobacco industry interference’.

“Seychelles has taken several important steps to reduce tobacco use. Let us keep in mind that smoking is not a simple choice: it is a powerful addiction against which well structured measures must be taken. Our Tobacco Control Act of 2009 prohibits smoking in enclosed public places, in all school and health premises and on all transports. In addition, the Act requests that all cigarette packets have a health warning that covers 50% of the two main sides. I am glad to note that a recent survey showed that the ban on smoking in enclosed public places and workplaces is well implemented in Seychelles.

“However we must remain fully alert. The tobacco industry is planning to fight back to try and undo the progress made. I believe the time has come to strengthen further our efforts to fight tobacco and its detrimental consequences on people's health. We need to move on with the implementation of other measures of the Tobacco Control Act. Smokers should be well informed on the dangerous health consequences of tobacco use.

“I call on civil society and non-governmental organisations and all citizens of Seychelles for their support in our fight against tobacco; including help us to enforce the ban on smoking in enclosed public place, workplaces and public transport.

“I urge everyone to be an advocate for a smoke-free environment and promote a smoking free environment. I urge all Seychellois to promote a healthy lifestyle in their own families and communities and be good role models for young people and give their full support to all measures towards a smoke- free society.”