By Fatou Bojang
The Non-communicable Disease Control Unit of the Ministry of Health conducted a press briefing on Friday at the Central Medical Store in Kotu. The session provided an update on the enforcement of the 2016 Tobacco Control Act, highlighted statistics regarding tobacco use in The Gambia, and called upon the public to participate in collective efforts to mitigate its health impacts.
Commissioner of the Anti-Tobacco Act, Pa Bojang, stressed the crucial need for adherence to the legislation, stating, “We believe we must ensure that it is enforced as prescribed by the Act.” He pointed out the difficulties encountered in communities where there is a lack of understanding regarding tobacco use regulations, particularly in tourist areas.
Bojang cautioned that any obstruction of enforcement officers in their duties would be taken seriously, with offenders facing legal repercussions. “We are empowered by the law to enforce this Act, and we intend to do so,” he asserted. He emphasized the health implications of tobacco use, linking it to the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and questioning the public’s expectations concerning healthcare resources when tobacco-related illnesses significantly contribute to the health crisis.
He presented global statistics revealing that tobacco claims approximately 8 million lives each year, with around 1 million deaths occurring among non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke. Bojang also underscored the need for collective responsibility among citizens to comply with tobacco control measures, including the prohibition of public smoking and restrictions on sales to minors.
Lamarana Jallow, a program officer, presented concerning statistics regarding tobacco use in The Gambia, indicating that 16.7% of the population engages in tobacco consumption, with significantly higher rates among males (34%) compared to females (12.8%). He highlighted the severe health consequences linked to tobacco, noting that a single cigarette contains over 7,000 chemicals, including 70 recognized carcinogens.
The Senior Program Officer further discussed the health implications of tobacco use, pointing out that it accounts for approximately 5,000 premature deaths each year in The Gambia. He underscored the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with alarming increases in diabetes, hypertension, and cancer cases. He stressed that tobacco is a significant risk factor for these diseases and called for heightened public awareness and involvement in tobacco control initiatives.
The speakers collectively urged the public to recognize the dangers associated with tobacco use and to engage in efforts to create a tobacco-free environment actively. They emphasized the need for a collaborative approach across various sectors of society to implement established tobacco control measures and promote a healthier community.
