Campaign to be Launched to Protect Non-smokers

Thursday May 31, 2001 - The Ministry of Health  will soon launch an extensive national campaign to control tobacco consumption and reduce the effects of second hand smoke. One major element of this campaign is the implementation of the principles of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). 

In an address to the nation on the observance of World No Tobacco Day, Acting Minister for Health Honourable Michael Gaspard said that a multi-sectoral committee will be established to develop a comprehensive programme to protect non-smokers from second hand smoke. According to Mr. Gaspard, already the Government of Saint Lucia has spearheaded initiatives to control the exposure of second hand smoke by declaring all health institutions as smoke free zones. He commended private sector enterprises that have prohibited smoking in their work places, and also taxi and minibus drivers who have banned smoking in their vehicles.

Mr. Gaspard said scientific studies have revealed that tobacco smoke contains about 4000 chemicals, forty of which can cause cancer. Tobacco consumption, he noted, is responsible for more deaths than AIDS and by the year 2030, ten million persons will die annually from the effects of tobacco consumption.

Mr. Gaspard noted that tobacco consumption and exposure to second hand smoke compromises the health of all St. Lucians, which is the most valuable resource of the country. He suggested that the national efforts to reduce tobacco consumption would require the active participation of all families and invited persons needing assistance to contact the Bureau of Health Education or the St. Lucia Cancer Society.

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