Epidemiologist, within the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment, Tamara Bobb, has revealed that Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and cigarette smoking is a major contributing factor in this regard.
The revelation came during her presentation at the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment Tobacco Awareness Session held on Tuesday June 5th 2018, at the ministry’s conference room.
Bobb, disclosed that one of the goals of this campaign is to eliminate smoking in public by placing a ban on smoking in public places.
In the first phase of this initiative, the Ministry of Health is offering government institutions “No Smoking” signs to be displayed on their premises. These signs/stickers can be obtained at the Ministry of Health free of cost.
The signs are available for interested private organizations e.g restaurants, bars, and vans.
Meanwhile, Dr. Dell Hamilton who also made a presentation highlighted the negative effects of cigarette smoking, noting that it is a significant risk factor for cancer causing deaths.
Hamilton also pointed out other effects of cigarette smoking which include: Cataracts, hearing loss, tooth decay, Osteoporosis, stomach ulcers and damage to DNA among other negative effects.
The activity came on the heels of “World No Tobacco Day” which was recognized on May 31.
