Anti-Tobacco Organisation Pushing for Adoption of Anti-Smoking Law in Cameroon

© Valentine MULANGO | Cameroon-Info.Net

The Cameroon Coalition against Tobacco has launched a petition for the adoption of an anti-smoking law in Cameroon.

The Cameroon Coalition against Tobacco has launched a petition for the adoption of an anti-smoking law in Cameroon. Smoking is the leading cause of illness and death in the world (6 million people). These deaths are all preventable.

In Cameroon the prevalence of smoking has stagnated around 17.5% of the population. And 37% of Cameroon's population are exposed to smoke in public places and is therefore exposed to health risk like smokers.

For every smoker who quits or dies, a young person starts smoking. Moreover, a study by WHO reveals that 15% of children less than 15 years are smokers. 44% of young students have already had their first cigarette stick and 6.4% received free cigarettes from officials of tobacco companies.

The anti-tobacco organisation hopes to convince the Cameroonian government to protect the health of Cameroonians against the tobacco industry. Reason why it is calling on all and sundry to help them get 5,000 signatures by voting in favour of the petition via this link: http://www.sanstabac.cm/Cameroon/english.cfm

Exposure to second hand smoke causes heart attacks, lung disease and cancer, asthma attacks and more. A law that ensures all public places are 100% smoke-free will save lives and guarantee everyone’s rights to healthy, smoke free air, the organisation believes.

One regular smoker out of two dies as a result of smoking! The reason why we claim: The adoption of a smoke-free law as it protects the non-smoker and discourages the use and frequent consumption of tobacco products, Cameroon Coalition against Tobacco posted on their website.

Sign this petition and help us to convince the Cameroonian government to protect the health of Cameroonians against the tobacco industry.