Tobacco use: the Cameroon Coalition to Counter Tobacco(C3T) raise awareness amongst youths of Yaounde III

Within the framework of the sensitization and prevention activities around tobacco use, the Cameroon Coalition to Counter Tobacco, went to meet the youths of Yaounde III.

Meeting with International Association of Students

 in Economics and Management (AIESEC)

Thus, the 25th August 2015, the association striving towards the building of a Cameroon free from diseases and deaths related to tobacco, with the support of the Ministry of Public health, a peer education workshop with associations of Yaounde III. Objective, educating them to be backup as peer educators whom on their part will sensitize others on tobacco use dangers.

Led by the young and dynamic team of C3T peer educators, the discussions were based on the following topics: tobacco and its constituents, its fabrication, tobacco and health, tobacco and sporting activities, how to stop smoking, and the right to turn down the first cigarette.

The popularization of GATS - Cameroon: the Cameroon Coalition to Counter Tobacco on all fronts

With the aim of popularizing the results of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS), the Cameroon Coalition to Counter Tobacco is implementing an intensive communication campaign.

GATS, this word spilled much ink and saliva in Cameroon. Indeed, this is the center of discussion within media programs, educative and professional encounters...

Fruits of the informative campaign implemented by the C3T, this multiple subject on the GATS have as objective to inform policy makers and the population on the current situation of the tobacco epidemic in Cameroon, so that adequate measures are taken to ensure quality tobacco control in Cameroon

Direct Communication

Also with the aim of ameliorating the perceptions and comprehension of this survey, a multisectoral meeting on this results was presided by the Ministry of public health. Information workshops on the GATS results were organized to attract the interest of civil society organizations and journalists. Press coffee workshops organized by the C3T, gave an advantage to the press towards the better use of the results related to tobacco use in Cameroon. Communications on GATS Cameroon were equally published in the press and social media.

Mass communication

These actions led to the regular treatment of the GATS topic in media. Also, within the period from June to September 2015, about ten corresponding’s were made on this subject.Cameroon-tribune (le quotidian pro-governmental) they even dedicated one of their editorials. Talk-shows were equally made on this subject.

Ministry of Public Health: How to ameliorate tobacco control

United around the minister of public health and the civil society during a multisectoral encounter, public administration and civil society study the problem of tobacco use in Cameroon. Objective of the meeting of September 09^th 2015, the amelioration of tobacco control in Cameroon.

Presided by the minister of public health, this encounter saw the participation of about 30 representatives of administrations and organizations concerned by the putting in place of anti-tobacco measures in Cameroon.

With regards to his luminary proposals, the minister of public health made known that this encounter will facilitate working on tobacco control measures to be taken in relation to the results and the conclusions of the Global Adult Tobacco (GATS-2013) survey. Strong and alarming results, the minister of public health notified that to reduce the ravage caused by tobacco use in our country, a strong tobacco control law in accordance with the FCTC was forwarded to the government. But while waiting for its outcome, measures to reduce exposition to tobacco use needs to be implemented by all administrations.

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.

Cameroon: tobacco growing subsidy, towards the enforcement of the FCTC provisions

After the arrest of a Senator, the Prime Minister commits himself to implement the provisions of the FCTC on tobacco growing.

Overview of the Cameroonian parliament

During the Plenary Session on questions to the government on December 11, Senator NGALLI NGOA Pierre Henri asked him to explain the funding of tobacco growing in Cameroon (500 million CFA francs in 2013), while the Cameroon has ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).

Indeed, the State is officially engaged in tobacco control, but allocates at the same time significant subsidies to tobacco farmers. This has often led civil society to express its indignation in various forms, among which whistleblowing with parliamentarians and members of government.

After a lively debate about the tobacco growing subsidy in Cameroon, the Prime Minister, and Head of Government stated that the provisions of the FCTC

C3T: visit of the headquarter by Mr. parliamentary Pierre LAOUSSOU

On December 9th, 2014, Dr. Laoussou Pierre, deputy of South Mayo-Danay, came to visit headquarter of the Cameroon Coalition against Tobacco (C3T).

He was able to appreciate the quality of the team and the premises of this civil society organization, who works for the coming of a Cameroon without disease and Deaths related to tobacco.During his visit, Hon. Laoussou Pierre discussed with C3T staff. Dr Flore Ndembiyembe also presented to him the C3t projects specially the adoption of a strong tobacco control bill.

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,

Alarm over Cameroon child smokers

YUH TIMCHIA

Forty-four per cent of pupils in Cameroonian schools have already had their first contact with tobacco and the gory statistic could get worse, an anti-tobacco organization has warned.

The Cameroon Coalition against Tobacco further states that 15 per cent of the people below the age of 15 were among 17.5 per cent of the country’s smoking population.

The organization is pushing for anti-tobacco laws to be urgently implemented in the country.

Cameroon became a signatory to the World Health Organization Framework Convention for Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) in May 2006.

Parties to the treaty, which obliges signatories to cut back on tobacco consumption and exposure to secondary smoke, adopted the

While Waiting for Anti-Tobacco Law: Cameroon Coalition Against Tobacco Pushes On With Aggressive Sensitization

© Valentine MULANGO | Cameroon-Info.Net

It is estimated that not less than 44 per cent of pupils in Cameroonian schools have already had their first contact with tobacco and an anti-tobacco organisation fears the gory statistic could get worse. In addition, 15 per cent of the people below the age of 15 are among 17.5 per cent of the country’s smoking population.

The figures above are so frightening that the Cameroon Coalition Against Tobacco (C3T) headed by Dr Flore Ndembiyembe is bent on mitigating the rate of Tobacco consumption in the country through aggressive sensitization. For this reason, C3T on Tuesday September 23 gathered the media to discuss the quality of tobacco control in Cameroon as well as communication and commercialization strategies adopted by tobacco companies in modern times.

During the meeting, the coalition demonstrated how several tobacco brands uses psychology and social context to woo more victims.

Education: tobacco prevention in the manual of secondary schools.

The entrance of tobacco prevention in the curriculum of secondary schools will enable a better awareness of the youth about the dangers of tobacco.

Despite attitudes changes towards the dangers of tobacco, smoking is increasing. To remedy this situation, Hilaire Abouna, les Classiques Africains, alongside the Cameroon Coalition to Counter Tobacco (C3T), for the first time ever in the Cameroonian educational system, integrated in the module "Health Education" of the Sciences and Technology manual for the level two of the secondary education, a chapter entitled "Emerging behaviors harmful to the reproductive health."

The said chapter describes behaviors that can interfere with reproduction by putting a special emphasis on the dangers of smoking. Indeed, of the four pages covering this chapter, half are devoted to issues pertaining to tobacco.

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.