The African continent is experiencing a significant increase in tobacco consumption. The figures reveal that 21% of men and 3% of women consume tobacco in Africa. The information was given in Algiers, at a meeting of the World Health Organization (WHO) which brings together, since Monday 10 last October, African countries in the context of tobacco control.
Tobacco kills more people than alcohol, AIDS, to name but a few, according to research done on the phenomenon. Thousands of additional people die from tobacco-related causes such as exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (called passive smoking). The purpose of this WHO meeting is to find a common position for the countries of the continent before the international meeting in New Delhi to be held in early November.
Africa has high rates of increase in tobacco consumption; especially among young people and, mainly, girls. 30% of young people are exposed to home-based tobacco smoke and 50% in public places or at work. These figures are from Dr. Nivo Ramanandraibe of the WHO Africa Office.
In addition, according to some WHO officials, it is difficult to bring young people back to their senses. Because in many countries tobacco is grown and abused, especially by the elderly.
Thus, the challenge would be to make local people and big cities understand that tobacco is very dangerous.
However, faced with this increase in tobacco consumption, many African countries have changed their legislation. But, apparently, the challenge is much bigger than simply changing the laws. It must be said that, despite adherence to WHO programs, many countries of the continent emphasize that, to be effective, tobacco control needs more human and financial resources.
