WHITE RIVER – Tobacco has been declared a killer. Almost six million people have died due to the use of tobacco products. This was revealed by the deputy minister of health, Dr Joe Paahla during the two-day conference of the World Environmental Health, that was held on Monday at Ingwenyama Lodge. Ehlanzeni District Municipality hosted the event.
The theme this year was: “Tobacco control: A response to a global pandemic”. The conference was graced by delegates from all nine provinces, who represented various structures that play a role in environmental health issues.
Paahla said this day was very important because it is where representatives such as environmental practitioners, educators and students come together and celebrate environmental health and exchange ideas. Paahla said the government still has a long way to go in terms of teaching people about tobacco as its use is on the rise.
“The use of tobacco products kills many people at an alarming rate in the world. It is estimated that tobacco kills almost six million people a year,” he said.
Paahla revealed that young people are the ones who are smoking and South Africa is ranked number four for male youths and number five for female youths who smoke.
Meanwhile, the MEC for health, Mr Gillion Mashego, called upon parents to play their role in terms of guiding their children and shaping their future.
“As parents, we still have to play a role if we want to win this battle of tobacco. I am very moved by the new trend of young girls who are smoking. “I don’t know whether it’s fashion or what? I always asked myself where are the leaders of tomorrow since tobacco kills. “In order to make sure that the future generations have a brighter future, we must reposition ourselves as parents and not turn a blind eye to some of the bad things.
