BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The World Health Organization (WHO) is urging stronger action to protect young people in Solomon Islands from tobacco products and industry marketing tactics designed to attract and addict them early, said a WHO press release issued to mark this year’s World No Tobacco Day.
The press release said WHO Solomon Islands Officer-in-Charge Dr Sakthivel Selvaraj calls for stronger measures to reduce the appeal of tobacco and nicotine products among young people.
He highlighted tighter controls on flavoured tobacco products, advertising, promotion and product designs that make smoking more attractive to youths.
He also calls for stronger tobacco control laws, tougher enforcement, increased community awareness and greater support for people trying to quit smoking.
“Together, let’s unmask the appeal, expose industry’s tactics, and protect the health and future of our children and communities. Remember, the appeal is manufactured, but the harm is real,” Dr Selvaraj said.
WHO Solomon Islands Technical Officer for Non-Communicable Diseases, Dr Tsogzolmaa Bayandorj, also urges young people to not be misled by tobacco marketing.
She said products promoted as “tobacco-free” or “smooth” should not be regarded as safe, warning that nicotine is addictive in any form.
Dr Bayandorj encourages smokers who want to quit to seek help from health clinics and health centres, where proven cessation methods such as nicotine patches, nicotine gum and counselling are available.
“Don’t let tobacco marketing confuse you. ‘Tobacco-free’ doesn’t mean safe, ‘smooth’ doesn’t mean weak. Nicotine is addictive in any form, and if you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you’re trying to quit, speak to your health clinic and health centres about safe and proven options,” she said.
The statement also quoted youth representative Haddasah Dowo, who described the fight against tobacco as a fight for freedom whilst urging young people to reject addiction.
“We are the generation that can unmask the appeal and expose the truth. Let us choose health over addiction. Let us choose awareness over deception. Let us choose life over tobacco,” Ms Dowo said.
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