#WorldNoTobaccoDay: ‘Commit to quit,’ says Heart and Stroke Foundation
This year, the campaign carries more weight as the Covid-19 pandemic motivated many people to quit tobacco as a result of upper respiratory tract complications.
OBSERVED annually on 31 May, World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) advocates for effective policy, aimed at reducing the global use of tobacco and tobacco-related products.
The awareness day was created by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 1987.
This year, the campaign carries more weight as the Covid-19 pandemic motivated many people to quit tobacco as a result of upper respiratory tract complications.
The Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa (HSFSA) aligns itself with the WHO’s 2021 theme, Commit to Quit, said HSFSA health promotion manager, Dana Govender.
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“Smoking is the second leading cause of cardiovascular disease and cerebrovascular disease, after high blood pressure. Therefore, quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your heart and brain health. It’s never too late to quit smoking because quitting almost immediately provides benefits and if you persevere, over time, your risk of heart disease and stroke can fall almost identical to that of a non-smoker,” she said.
The foundation said they will continue to support efforts of the international community, governments and civil society, including the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).
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They hope to achieve the passing of the Control of Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Bill which seeks to introduce plain packaging, remove designated smoking areas in restaurants, ban outdoor smoking in public areas, ban retailers displaying cigarettes and cigarette vending machines.
The bill also includes the regulation of e-cigarettes and when passed, e-cigarettes and the use of tobacco products will finally be regulated in order to sustain a healthier and tobacco-free future for all.
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