The majority of smokers regret ever starting. With the festive season approaching, those who want to quit may think of putting it off until the new year. Right now is the time to focus on kicking the habit – you’ll feel much better by Christmas and be ready to kick off 2021 as a non-smoker, says Dr. Sharon Nyatsanza of the National Council Against Smoking (NCAS), a #protectournext partner. She gives smokers some tips on quitting smoking, and staying quit, during the holiday period. 

Sharon Nyatsanza (PhD), National Council Against Smoking (NCAS)
The HIV virus compromises the immune system, and smoking weakens it further. Tobacco use in people living with HIV increases the risk of death and worsens health outcomes. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 24% of HIV-related deaths are attributable to smoking. Consequently, it is concerning that a high percentage of people living with HIV use tobacco products. A study published in the Nicotine and Tobacco Research journal found that an estimated 30% of people living with HIV in South Africa use tobacco products. 

As the focus falls on the youth this Africa Youth Month, health organisations partnering in the #protectournext initiative are focusing on the challenge e-cigarettes or vape products are posing to protecting youth and reducing tobacco use. These products may create a new generation of young nicotine and tobacco users, undermining decades of progress in reducing tobacco use and nicotine addiction, say the National Council Against Smoking (NCAS), CANSA, the SA Medical Research Council (SAMRC) and the Heart & Stroke Foundation of SA. “We are calling for government to take e-cigarettes seriously, act quickly, and regulate them appropriately by passing the Control of Tobacco and Electronic Delivery Systems Bill in South Africa into law before a new generation is addicted to nicotine,” says Dr. Sharon Nyatsanza of NCAS.

An energetic team of #protectournext storytellers has been visiting schools in the Gauteng area this Africa Youth Month to make children aware of the dangers of tobacco and e-cigarettes or vape products as well as educating them about the Control of Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Services Bill. With all COVID-19 protocols observed, the team has received a positive response from educators and learners alike as they enjoy the edutainment on offer and actively participate in discussing the issues the youth face with regard to tobacco. #protectournext ambassadors are also visiting local taxi ranks and malls, strategically selected to align with the schools rollout.