Cape Town makes efforts to protect young people from marketing tactics of tobacco industry that can lead to heart disease, lung disease, cancer and more.
City of Cape Town’s Health Department in partnership with the Heart and Stroke Foundation on May 31, 2024 has celebrated World No Tobacco Day at Riebeeck Street Primary School in Belhar.
Reportedly, the City of Cape Town is involved in promoting healthy living and is trying to protect the young learners against marketing activities by tobacco companies to save lives from diseases associated with the use of tobacco products.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than 8 million people die from the use of tobacco worldwide every year.
The diseases that can be considered and are linked to the prolonged use of tobacco products are cancer, heart disease and stroke, lung disease, diabetes, bronchitis and emphysema.
Every year, World No Tobacco Day is celebrated on May 31, under the supervision of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the theme for this year is Protecting children from tobacco industry interference.
As per the sources, it is a call to government to shield the youth against the luring tobacco industry marketing tactics.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Services and Health Councillor – Patricia Van der Ross said that in South Africa and elsewhere, they see that while cigarette smoking has decreased, e-cigarettes are very popular, even amongst very young children.
Councillor Patricia Ross then added that the range of products that appeal to young people has expanded and even though they are marketed as safer alternatives to cigarettes.
However, the reality is that they too increase the risk of heart and lung diseases and result in potential learning difficulties and anxiety disorders.
“I want to appeal to parents and children to take note of these risks and to be aware of how youth are being specifically targeted with bright packing and fruit flavourings,” said Patricia Van der Ross.
