Smoking is very dangerous for anyone and can lead to preventable disease, and even death. However, while many are aware that smoking causes cardiovascular disease and cancer, many don’t know that smoking carries particular additional risks for women. Smoking can have a negative impact on female reproductive health, as well cause cervical and breast cancer. Second-hand smoke is also a major risk for women. Nearly 1 in 6 people who die from exposure to smoking, are not smokers. Twice as many women die of exposure to second-hand smoke as men, according to The Tobacco Atlas. Infants exposed in-utero to tobacco smoke toxins, through maternal smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke, frequently experience reduced lung growth and function. Young children exposed to second-hand smoke are at risk of the onset and exacerbation of asthma, pneumonia and bronchitis, and frequent lower respiratory tract infections.
Women in government and civil society organisations have long led the fight to protect South Africans from the dangers of tobacco and tobacco-related products like e-cigarettes or vape products, leaving an important legacy.
During her tenure from 1994-1999, then Minister of Health Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma amended the 1993 Tobacco Products Control Act to ensure tobacco was regulated, regs, led the implementation of the Act in 1997 and profiled tobacco issues. This led to a steep decline in smoking in South Africa and consequently, reduction in exposure to second-hand smoke, which is also a serious health risk.
Now, a focused group of women continue to lead the charge for tighter tobacco controls to bring us into alignment with these WHO FCTC commitments through a campaign called “Protect our Next.” Savera Kalideen and Dr. Sharon Nyatsanza from the National Council Against Smoking (NCAS), Dr. Catherine Egbe from the South African Medical Research Council (Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit), Lorraine Govender, National Advocacy Co-ordinator for the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), Professor Pamela Naidoo, CEO, The Heart and Stroke Foundation of South Africa and Zanele Mthembu, Public Health Policy and Development Consultantdrive awareness and support for South Africa’s Draft Control of Tobacco and Electronic Delivery Systems Bill to be passed. On Youth Day 2020, Lynn Moeng, Chief Director at the National Department of Health, reaffirmed government’s commitment to ensure that the Bill becomes law.
Savera Kalideen of NCAS says that like the lockdown, the current ban on cigarette sales in South Africa is a temporary measure and the focus should be on strengthening tobacco legislation in the country as a long-term public health measure. “It’s time to pass the Control of Tobacco and Electronic Delivery Systems Bill, as this will make it easier for South Africans to choose smoke-free lives, will introduce the regulation of e-cigarettes and decrease the impact of second-hand smoke on the majority of our population (80%), including women and children, who are non-smokers.”
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.”
Dr Catherine Egbe, Specialist Scientist (Tobacco Control) of the Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, says, “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 more South Africans have come to understand that we stand a better chance of beating COVID-19 if we are smoke-free.”
Lorraine Govender of CANSA says, “We call on South Africans to show their 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 and tobacco free.”
HOW CAN YOU JOIN THE FIGHT AGAINST THE TOBACCO EPIDEMIC?
Follow @protectournext on social media and become an anti-tobacco warrior.
Educate yourself and others on the harms of nicotine and tobacco product use.
Support the implementation of the Control of Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Bill in South Africa. This will improve tobacco control legislation and can help prevent industry exploitation of regulatory loopholes to manipulate c children and adolescents to start using tobacco products like e-cigarettes, cigarettes and hookah pipes
#protectournext
(ENDS)
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.
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
Zanele Mthembu, Public Health and Development Consultant
Media contact:
Tamaryn Brown
Connect Media for CART agency
tamaryn@cart.agency
tamaryn@connectmedia.co.za
+ 27 (0) 84 3510560