In commemorating the Family Doctors’ Day, a report which was given by the World Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed that annually, over five million people die worldwideLo as a result of tobacco intake as they were affected by lung cancer, heart diseases including heart attacks, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, erectile dysfunction and birth defects.
Also, it was estimated that over one billion people globally practice tobacco smoking giving certain reasons of which include recreation and fulfilment of some religious rituals, among several others.
Dr Frank Omo-Ehijele Odafen, the President of the Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria (AGPMPN), who gave the 2016 theme as “Smoking Cessation,” disclosed that many passive smokers such as children were affected by the behaviour of others.
To stem the tide which he said has killed approximately half of long- term smokers when compared to age mortality rates faced by non-smokers, the association urged federal government to put some wholesome laws in place which is expected to protect non- smokers.
He also called for the need to ban smoking in public stating that all government at all levels should put an end completely to smoking.
Government should institute high taxation on tobacco products, National Broadcasting Corporation(NBC), should run advertorial on TV/ radio to discourage smoking, government should disallow all commercials advertising or promoting smoking in the media- print and electronic and government should provide social rehabilitation centres for those willing to give up smoking. Cultural practices that discourage children and youths from embracing smoking should be given more impetus and government should legislate that every family should have a family doctor,” he advised.
