Jump to full article: Cape Argus (za), 2008-02-25
Intro: Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang on Sunday welcomed the new global tobacco report released by the World Health Organisation (WHO) which indicates that consumption of cigarettes has declined in the country.
"This is a significant progress for a developing country like South Africa if you consider the WHO report's observation that only five percent of the world's population live in countries that protect their population with any one of the key measures that reduce smoking rates."
"We have to sustain and build from these gains if we are to reduce the high levels of morbidity and mortality related to tobacco use to which WHO puts one in every 10 deaths worldwide," said Tshabalala-Msimang.
The WHO report stated that higher taxes were especially important for deterring tobacco use among the young and the poor, who would benefit most from a decrease in consumption. . . .
The report gives South Africa seven out of 10 for enforcement of bans on advertising, promotion and sponsorship relating to tobacco and five out of 10 for protecting people from tobacco smoke through smoke-free environments.
South Africa was also found to be doing well in providing counselling and treatment for tobacco dependence and in allocation of resources for tobacco prevention.
Tshabalala-Msimang said the report gives us more reasons to celebrate the national Healthy Lifestyle Day as the campaign focuses on tobacco control
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