Cameroon: with increasing smoke-free environments

To reduce the harmful effects of smoking, Cameroonian public places are developing the concept of smoke-free zones. Concept admired by people who frequent these places.

It is noon, it's break time in Yaounde. At Socropole, a bistro located in the neighborhoodof Ngousso, the service responsible and servers are busy to satisfy all customers who wish to enjoy the break to build up. Particular situation, the structure is non-smoking. Sign prohibiting smoking is also known to all clients.

The structure made an original choice at a time when tobacco control is in its full swing. "We have decided to ban cigarettes for the comfort of our customers," said anonymously by the manager of the structure. Like him, many public places (restaurants, bistros, bars and schools, public transport vehicles ...) by the city of seven hills trying this experience for economic or personal reasons.

In the regions, the problem of smoking also concerns promoters of recreational and leisure spaces. In the town of Dschang for example, we notice the creation of hotels (Mbouho Star Palace, Météo Palace) smoke-free and non-smoking night clubs. According to the Cameroon Coalition to Counter Tobacco (C3T) "We need to encourage these spontaneous initiatives. For there are now dissatisfied customers, who wishto eat and drink without being bothered by cigarette smoke," says Dr. Flore NDEMBIYEMBE, President of the C3T.