"There are more than 7000 chemicals in tobacco smoke" said WHO's Gassama

Momodou Gassama Communication Officer of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in The Gambia has said there are more than 7000 chemicals in tobacco smoke, of which at least 250 are known to be harmful and at least 69 are known to cause cancer.

Mr Gassama made these remarks on 13 December 2019, during the event making World No tobacco Day, on the Theme: “Choose Health, No Tobacco.”  The event was held at the Central Medical Store in Kotu.

The 2006 Tobacco Control Act, which came into Force on 1 October 2019 is meant to ensure a Tobacco free Gambia. The Act imposed band on public smoking, tobacco advertisement and smoking in public spaces.

While commending  The Gambia for championing the global crusade against tobacco, Gassama said a multi-sectoral working group committee comprising all relevant Government sectors was set up toward tobacco control, leading to the enactment of tobacco control Act.

"Tobacco was responsible for the deaths in the US and in the 1980s some families were bold enough to  sue tobacco companies for being responsible for their deaths of their loved ones.

"World no-tobacco day was first commemorated in 1988 as endorsed by member states of the world health organization,  The rationale being to draw international attention to the dangers of tobacco use and to mobilize action against it," said Mr Gassama.

 He further disclosed that 1.1 Billion people are using Tobacco, 80% percent of which are in the developing countries. He added that 8 Million people are dying out of smoking, of which 7 Million die out of direct smoking; while 1.2 million die due to second hand smoking.

Dwelling further he explained that when you smoke in a house, or in streets, the smoke remains in the air for five hours, and can harm anyone who inhales it. 

He said World No Tobacco Day is celebrated 31 May every year, but that does not matter, adding that what is important is celebrating the day.

Commenting on the harmful effects of smoking, Mr Gassama said the “Impact of Smoking in the Heart” was the Theme for last year’s celebration. Adding: “Tobacco smoking breaks your air sacks, causing respiratory problems. 2/3 of lung cancer deaths are caused by Tobacco,” Mr Gassama said.

He also said good numbers of children are smoking because they are exposed to smoking at home by their parents. “Tobacco and Health are irreconcilable- Tobacco and health- choose health,” he said.

He also said WHO has been supporting Government to generate evidence needed and design strategy to address challenges.