Tobacco Use Causes 6 million Deaths Globally Each Year

[FMHNigeria]

The use of tobacco has been identified as the major cause of preventable premature deaths and diseases that claim nearly 6 million lives globally each year. By 2030, it is expected to rise to over 8 million deaths with 80% occurring among people living in low and middle income countries.

 

This was revealed in a report presented to the Honorable Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu by the Nigeria Global Adult Tobacco Survey ( GATS) team in his office yesterday.

The GATS survey is a nationally representative household survey that was launched as a new component of the ongoing Global Tobacco Surveillance System ( GTSS) . It provides national estimates of Tobacco use in the population ( 15 years and above.

It enables countries to collect data on adult tobacco use and key tobacco control measures. Results from the GATS assist countries in the formulation, tracking and implementation of effective tobacco control interventions and countries are able to compare results of their survey with results from other countries.

Nigeria is the first country in the African Region to implement GATS, apart from countries like Bangladish, Brazil, China, Indonesia and Egypt.

In his word, the leader of the GATS team in Nigeria, Dr. Emmanuel Musa said that " As the leading country in GATS implementation, Nigeria needs to officially release the GATS report as soon as possible and also put the report in the public domain to guide effective tobacco control  intervention'.

Responding, the Honorable Minister of Health assured the team of President Jonathan's commitment to fight Tuberculosis and other Tobacco related diseases as demonstrated in his effort that led to the passing of the Anti-Tobacco Bill by the National Assembly. The honorable Minister also thanked the W.H.O. for her support and contribution towards improving the health system in Nigeria.

Also speaking at the meeting, the Director of Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) in African region, Dr. Joshua Chalo said that Nigeria being the most populous country in Africa needs to put in a lot in her fight against common diseases if she must leave a legacy for other African countries on quality public Health.

Via: Federal Ministry of Health (FMH) Nigeria