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.

Tobacco use: A Cameroonian smoker spends monthly 5.000fcfa on cigarettes.

A Cameroonian smoker is on a tobacco row. Spending averagely 5000fcfa per month on tobacco products. Which corresponds to 7,25% of the Guaranteed Minimum Wage(SMIG), as revealed by the global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS), survey realized in 2013 by the National Institute for Statistics(NIS), with the support of the Ministry of Public Health and WHO.

According to the conclusion of this research, the smoking phenomenon is more visible amongs persons within 25-44 years old. Their expenses related to cigarette purchase is more than 5000FCFA per smoker, meanwhile those between the age group 15-24 years spend 4123FCFA to buy cigarettes.

Moreover, tobacco use of recent times is a poverty increasing factor within families." if in a family one person smokes, money that is destined for proteins, that is to say for fish and meat, is being oriented towards cigarette purchase, and consequently, the children do not go to school, blames attributed to lack of finance", explained by Dr. Flore NDEMBIYEMBE, president of the Cameroon Coalition to Counter Tobacco (C3T).

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,