This editorial was published of February 9 by the Daily Observer.
Source: AllAfrica
Tobacco And Health -
It
is a self-evident truth that smoking curtails our right to life as
human beings. Interestingly tobacco firms are conscious of this
reality, yet they continue to support innovations in this regard,
supplying the world with new brands of tobacco.
But clearly,
those who consume these potentially deadly products are also aware of
the fact that they are compromising theirs as well as the health of
those around them. The baffling phenomenon about the whole thing,
however, is that despite warning of serious implications in tobacco
consumption, the numbers of potential victims continue to rise. This is
purely a matter of naivety, and it is exactly what the industry is
taking advantage of.
The focus, therefore, should now be on how
to counter this increasingly indifferent industry. But the first
question that comes to mind is where is the utility of a good that
sends human beings to the grave?
It is high time that people
became aware that we owe a responsibility to safeguarding the lives of
the people we live with as much as we do for our own lives. And we must
also take note of the fundamental reality that it is mandatory upon the
rest of society to jealously protect this right.
Steps being
taking by the Department of State for Health, to reinforce the law that
criminalizes public smoking, are indeed commendable and worthy of
support. This country of ours, as youthful as it is, is jealously
yearning for development, which can be achieved only by a healthy
populace. Therefore, any ugly habit that compromises the health of the
citizenry deserves appropriate uncompromising counter force.
The
Department of State for Health, particularly the unit of Public and
Environmental Health, should note that they have the biggest task in
this regard. They should endeavour to ensure that the citizenry
transforms knowledge into action and practice. This can be done through
massive public awareness campaign on the deadly effects of smoking, as
well as keeping a watchful eye on society to ensuring that culprits are
caught and punished, according to the dictates of the law. We
acknowledge, of course, that the media can be instrumental in this
crusade.
The simple message is that smoking kills. Those who
smoke have the option to choose between life and death; and whoever
chooses death by insisting on the consumption of tobacco products must
not invite others to accompany them to the grave. That is to say they
must not smoke in the open, where second hand smoking can be attracted.
Our advice to all smokers is: please quit; and for non-smokers, never
try it.
Source: AllAfrica
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