According to the WHO, the tobacco epidemic is one of the most serious public health threats the world has ever faced, killing more than eight million people each year.
Malawi: Most people have probably internalised HIV and AIDS messaging that promotes total abstinence, being faithful to one partner, or using a condom-‘Condomise’ (A-B-C).
A record of massive condom sales suggests that, in contrast to being faithful to one partner and abstaining, most people may have chosen the ‘Condomise’ option.
A similar approach to ‘enjoying’ sex without contracting a Sexually Transmitted Infection has been researched and proven that people who are addicted to smoking (Nicotine) can still enjoy the pleasure of smoking without being harmed by the tobacco.
Tobacco threat
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the tobacco epidemic is one of the most serious public health threats the world has ever faced, killing more than eight million people each year, including approximately 1.2 million deaths from second-hand smoke exposure.
In a message on World no Tobacco day commemorated on May 31, 2022, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti said despite 24 African countries instituting bans on smoking in public places, and 35 banning tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship, “our estimates are that one in every 10 African adolescents use tobacco. The emergence of new products, such as electronic nicotine and tobacco products, are also proving attractive to youths, compounding the concerns.”
According to the WHO, there are over 4000 chemicals in tobacco smoke, and there is no safe level of exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke.
The WHO strongly encourages smokers to quit, “When tobacco users become aware of the dangers of tobacco, most want to quit. However, the nicotine contained in tobacco products is highly addictive and without cessation support, only 4 per cent of users who attempt to quit tobacco use will succeed. Professional support and proven cessation medications can more than double a tobacco user’s chance of successful quitting.”
Josephine Chinele – Africa in Brief – 2022-06-29.
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