Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma announced on Wednesday evening that government will uphold the ban on tobacco products as South Africa moves into Level 4 lockdown, saying that smoking increased risk of COVID-19 and increased harmful disease outcomes in smokers who contracted the disease.
The announcement comes as the National Council Against Smoking (NCAS), South African Medical Research Council (Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit), the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) and the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa launch a campaign called “Protect our next” to encourage smokers to stop smoking and to increase awareness of and support for South Africa’s Control of Tobacco and Electronic Delivery Systems Bill.
Professor Pamela Naidoo of the Heart & Stroke Foundation says, “We applaud the government of South Africa for putting the nation’s health first in the response to COVID-19. Health supercedes commercial interests. While the right of the individual is important, when we are facing a crisis of this scale that poses a danger to society, the rights of the collective to health must take precedence. We encourage smokers to use this time to stop smoking to improve their health, and to reduce the likelihood of a severe illness should they contract COVID-19.”
Public Health Policy and Development Consultant Zanele Mthembu says the tobacco sales ban has the support of many citizens at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic due to major health concerns. “Our concern is the proven impact tobacco products have on respiratory and cardiovascular health; emerging studies showing that smoking can exacerbate the impact of COVID-19; the dangers of self-contamination through the very act of smoking as emphasised by the WHO and the increased risk of family exposure to second-hand smoke.”
However, Mthembu says that like the lockdown, the ban on cigarette sales is a temporary measure and more should be done to strengthen tobacco legislation in the country as a long-term public health measure. “We must protect society from tobacco harm through strengthening overall tobacco control measures and legislation, which have a proven positive impact on health worldwide. We need to pass the Control of Tobacco and Electronic Delivery Systems Bill, which will make it easier for South Africans to choose smoke-free lives, regulate e-cigarettes and decrease the impact of second-hand smoke on the majority of the population, who are non-smokers.”
COVID-19 and smoking: know the facts
If ever there was a time to quit smoking for good – that time is now, says Savera Kalideen of the National Council against Smoking (NCAS). “With the threat of the coronavirus pandemic looming large, now is the time to take care of your own lungs by not smoking cigarettes, shisha, vaping or using e-cigarettes. Also, with more people spending increased amounts of time at home especially during lockdown, we must make sure children and non-smokers are not exposed to harmful second-hand smoke that could make them more susceptible to respiratory illnesses.”
Dr Catherine Egbe, Specialist Scientist (Tobacco Control) of the Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, says scientists have found that smokers are more likely to show disease progression or more complications when they contract the virus. “The fact remains that tobacco causes respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and COVID-19 is a respiratory disease. Therefore, the best way to remain healthy at this time of COVID-19 pandemic is to stay away from anything and any product that can compromise your chances of fighting the disease should you contract the virus. I am happy that government listened to those who spoke in support of the ban on the sale of cigarettes and that more South Africans have come to understand that we stand a better chance of beating COVID-19 if we are smoke-free.”
New data from China is emerging showing the link between smoking and heightened vulnerability to COVID-19. The European Respiratory Journal says smoking might raise the risk of Covid-19 by elevating ACE-2 enzymes, allowing the coronavirus to gain access to lung cells and replicate. A review from Tobacco Induced Diseases shows that there were higher percentages of current and former smokers among patients in China that needed ICU support, mechanical ventilation or who had died, and a higher percentage of smokers among the severe cases. Smokers are approximately 2.4 times more likely to be admitted to an ICU, need mechanical ventilation or die compared to non-smokers.
Smoking also fundamentally affects the immune system, making it harder to fight infection. Existing evidence on smoking suggests that smokers with damaged lungs and weakened immune systems would be likely to be more severely impacted by COVID-19 if they do become infected, just as they are with influenza and tuberculosis.
Second-hand smoking (SHS) is known to cause harm. Professor Pamela Naidoo, CEO of the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa highlights that in a recent study in the Western Cape Province, nicotine was found in the system of newborn infants and non-smokers. Naidoo says that exposure to SHS damages lungs and depresses the immune system increasing susceptibility to chest and respiratory infections. “Protect the lungs of those around you, particularly children and the elderly, and ensure they are not exposed to second-hand smoke.”
Lorraine Govender of CANSA says, “Show your support to immune-compromised patients, including cancer patients, by ensuring a tobacco-free environment. Show your solidarity to the health professionals who are working tirelessly to treat patients affected by COVID-19, by taking responsibility for your own health and remaining nicotine free.”
The message from NCAS, CANSA, the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the South African Medical Research Council in the time of COVID-19 is clear. Stop smoking now and do the best you can to boost your immune system and improve your lung health.
Mthembu concludes, “We need to support our government’s decisions taken to best protect the health of all South Africa’s people at this challenging time. Stay home, say no to tobacco and stay safe South Africa. Let’s protect our next.”
RESOURCES TO HELP SMOKERS QUIT:
Call the National Council Against Smoking - Quitline at 011 720 3145 for tips to help you stop smoking, or visit: www.againstsmoking.co.za or WhatsApp on 0638282909
CANSA runs an online programme which also provides support and information for smokers who would like to stop smoking on http://www.ekickbutt.org.za/.
The Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa has professional staff that can provide educational support during the challenging time you may face during trying to quit tobacco smoking. During the period of the lockdown, you may call 084 2507374 for assistance.
Reference:
Vardavas CI, Nikitara K. COVID-19 and smoking: A systematic review of the evidence. Tobacco Induced Diseases 2020;18(March):20. doi:10.18332/tid/119324.
(ENDS)
Website:
www.protectournext.co.za
Available for interview:
Savera Kalideen, Executive Director of NCAS
Dr. Sharon Nyatsanza, Project &Communications Manager, NCAS
Dr Catherine Egbe, Specialist Scientist: Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drug Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council
Lorraine Govender, National Advocacy Co-Ordinator, CANSA
Professor Pamela Naidoo, CEO, The Heart and Stroke Foundation of South Africa
Media contact:
Tamaryn Brown
Connect Media for CART agency
tamaryn@cart.agency
tamaryn@connectmedia.co.za
+ 27 (0) 84 3510560