Sierra Leone commemorated World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) 2012 under the theme “Tobacco Industry Interference” on 31 May. The Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MoHS) in collaboration with WHO and with support from other partners coordinated the commemoration.
The purpose was to raise awareness on the global tobacco epidemic and to mobilize the public to support smoke free environment.
The Hon Deputy Minister of Health and Sanitation, Mr Borbor Sawyerr launched the WNTD in Freetown. Delivering the key note address, the Hon Deputy Minister stated that proactive measures are required to prevent deaths and disabilities caused by tobacco. He expressed his appreciation to WHO and other partners for their support in promoting the fight against tobacco. He said “Sierra Leone as a proud party to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control [FCTC] recognizes that the tobacco industry is a major barrier to achieving global health”.

Director, Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) of MoHS, Dr Bash Taqi, described tobacco as a “license to kill”. He said advocacy for tobacco control should be the concern of every sector of the society and “every day should be a no tobacco day”.

Mrs Aminata Kobie, WHO Health Promotion Officer (HPR) and Dr Taqi delivered Technical presentations on the WHO FCTC and the effect of tobacco on health. The WNTD 2012 Message from Dr Luis G. Sambo, the WHO Regional Director for Africa was delivered by the HPR on behalf of the WHO Representative, Dr Alemu. The statement called for urgent need for countries to implement the WHO FCTC to ensure that the public is fully aware of the negative health consequences of smoking and second hand smoke.

The message underlines that in formulating and implementing public policies, decision makers should ensure that policies are “protected from the vested interests of the tobacco industry”. It further sounded warning that “Attempts to undermine the scientific evidence on the harmful effects of tobacco on health are not acceptable”. Other speakers including Coalition Against Tobacco Sierra Leone, FORUT and the Manager of Health Education Program at MoHS reiterated the need for continued advocacy and strengthened collaboration on tobacco control. The message of this years World No Tobacco Day was presented in drama and song performance.

Activities conducted leading to commemoration of the day included a one day advocacy and awareness raising workshop for religious leaders, orientation of the media on the harmful effects of tobacco as well as radio discussions. There is evidence of increased incidence of tobacco consumption among youths in the country. Results from the WHO STEPS survey 2009 showed that about 74 % and 69% of non-smokers are exposed to environmental tobacco smoke at home and workplace respectively.

Sierra Leone Commemorates World No Tobacco Day 2012

World Health Organization, 21 A and B Riverside Drive, off King Harman Road, Freetown
Phone: 232-22-233565, +232-76-777878;
E-mail: whosl [at] sl.afro.who.int,
Website www.whosierraleone.org