Information: GATS-Cameroon results presented to journalists.

An information workshop with journalists on the Global Adult Tobacco Survey results (GATS-2013), the recommendations of the FCTC proposed anti-tobacco law bill, this took place on the 08^th of September 2015 in Yaounde, in the presence of the chief of service of tobacco control at the ministry of public health.

Organized by the Cameroon Coalition to Counter Tobacco(C3T), this workshop falls within the framework of the popularization of the GATS results, enabling the Cameroonian press to have sufficient information on the situation of tobacco use in Cameroon. "The press is a powerfuleducative instrument, reason for which we have consulted the present historians you are in this workshop, to put to your disposal more elements for the better treatment of issues related tobacco issues" explained by Dr Flore Ndembiyembe before adding: "The GATS-Cameroon is the first survey on tobacco use in adults, this enables the better orientation of advocacy towards the best c Thus the importance of rendering these results popular.

During this gathering, the press was equally enlightened on the situation of tobacco control in Cameroon, the proposed tobacco control bill…

C3T:Visit into the heart of the first smoke-free council in Cameroon

Monday 17th August 2015, The Cameroon Coalition to Counter Tobacco(C3T) visited the Bamenda 1 Council. Objective, being to meet the local authorities and observe the implementation of this decision that rendered this council smoke-free.

Caroline Bi Bongwa, Mayor of the Bamenda 1 Council,
first smoke-free council in Cameroon

This visit was an opportunity for Elvis Ndikum the Campaign Officer with the C3T, to follow-up the effective implementation of the decision rendering this locality a smoke-free zone. This done by the pasting of stickers with signs that prohibit smoking.

During this visit, Caroline Bi Bongwa, Mayor of the Bamenda 1 Council thanked the C3T and its partners towards their actions in the implementation of this decision within the council. She did mention of the fact that some of the communication materials produced by the C3T were transferred to the authorities of the North West region. The mayor took the engagement to support actions towards tobacco control, while ensuring the good health of populations. She encourages other councils to emulate the example of Bamenda I. This will go ahead to protect the health of populations against the exposition to tobacco smoke.

Cameroon : An eldorado for the tobacco industry

The strategies used by cigarette suppliers to conquer new consumers in Cameroon seems fruitful, from free distribution of their products and even the use of media to stimulate consumption.

The tobacco industry at the moment is initiating an offensive in order to increase its profits and render the Cameroonian population more dependent on tobacco. In effect, we notice almost every week the appearance of a new cigarette brand. This action of the industry is supported by an aggressive marketing at the four angles of the country.

In Yaounde for example, “cigarettes girls” are paid to parade night clubs, snacks and public places. This is to excite youths to smoke cigarettes with really strange names. Recently, the innovation has been free testing. Actually, to implement newly imported brands, the strategies consist of: Proximity trade deposits, shops, stalls and other cartridges cigarettes of brand X. These cigarettes are offered for free to any person who wants to get cigs or smoke. Smoking is free here. The only restriction to this tasting is the deposit of packs at the sales point, who will latter transfer it to the tobacco company for payment".

Observing keenly this new strategy reveals that each cartridge has 3 series of free testing’s before starting the sales of a new product. According to

High smoking rate in Cameroon

A study carried out has revealed that over one million Cameroonians aged 15 years and above are active smokers.

By Eleanor Ayuketah / Crtv

This analysis was made public recently in Yaounde as outcome of a survey carried out in 2013 by the National Institute of Statistics under the framework of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS).

Other alarming statistics indicate that 15 per cent of the active smokers started smoking before the age of 15.

The Minister of Public Health, Andre Mama Fouda mentioned that the study will help the Ministry reorganise its strategy in the fight against tobacco.

A WHO resident – representative, Dr Charlotte Faty Ndiaye explained that since tobacco is a silent killer, there is a need to work with children in order to prevent tobacco consumption at their level.

The Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) was carried out by National Institute of Statistics with coordination from the Ministry of Public Health. The Ministry was technically assisted in the endeavour by the WHO.

Thirdhand Smoke: Toxic Airborne Pollutants Linger Long After the Smoke Clears Berkeley Lab researchers assess health impacts of inhalable constituents of thirdhand tobacco smoke

News Release Julie Chao

Ever walked into a hotel room and smelled old cigarette smoke? While the last smoker may have left the room hours or even days ago, the lingering odors—resulting from noxious residue that clings to walls, carpets, furniture, or dust particles—are thanks to thirdhand smoke.

Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab), who have made important findings on the dangers of thirdhand smoke and how it adsorbs strongly onto indoor surfaces, have published a new study assessing the health effects of thirdhand smoke constituents present in indoor air. Looking at levels of more than 50 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and airborne particles for 18 hours after smoking had taken place; they found that thirdhand smoke continues to have harmful health impacts for many hours after a cigarette has been extinguished.

“In the U.S., the home is now where nonsmokers are most exposed to second- and thirdhand smoke. The goal of our study is to provide information supporting effective protective measures in the home. The amount of harm is measurable even several hours after smoking ends,” said chemist Hugo Destaillats, lead author of the study. “Many smokers know secondhand smoke is harmful,