Smoking: It’s deadly
The National, Tuesday 4th June 2013
Many Papua New Guineans aged 30-69 die prematurely from tobacco-related diseases, a health official said during the World No Tobacco Day celebration on Sunday.
“These are the productive age groups. This means there is loss in productivity and can affect the socio-economic development, thus leading to poverty,” deputy secretary National Health Policy and Corporate Service Elvah Lianel said.
“About six million people in the world die each year from tobacco-related diseases and PNG has the highest mouth cancer rate in the world.
“The global youth tobacco survey in 2007 for ages 13 to 15 indicated that 47.7% of this age group use tobacco products.
“Another study on smoking prevalence conducted in NCD and Manus showed children started smoking at the age of eight. Children smoking at these ages are likely to face one or more of the tobacco-related health problems in the next 10 to 15 years if not stopped now.
“And from the same study, 80% of these children are exposed to second-hand smoking at home and in public places. Quit smoking if you do not want to be a victim of these preventable diseases and if you have not been smoking, don’t start.
“Your smoking can make someone likely to develop cancers, brain stroke, high blood pressure and many more.
“Be considerate of others when smoking and do not smoke in PMVs and public areas like shops, schools, hospitals, restaurants or in any enclosed area.”
More than 300 people took part in a walk in the capital to mark the World No Tobacco Day.