Africa-Press – Botswana. The tobacco control unit recently established in Maun will play a crucial role in providing rehabilitation services to communities affected by tobacco use.
The tobacco control unit was established through collaboration between the Ministry of Health and the Botswana Red Cross Society (BRCS) with a view to raise awareness on the health and socio- economic impact of tobacco use and also address the pressing issue of tobacco consumption and exposure in the Maun community.
It is also aimed at protecting the community from the harmful effects of tobacco use.
Speaking at the launch recently, BRCS secretary general, Mr Kutlwano Mukokomani said the establishment of the unit marked a significant milestone in their commitment to promote the health and well-being of the communities they served.
Mr Mukokomani said the launch of the unit was also testament of BRCS’s mandate of providing humanitarian services to the most vulnerable communities in the country.
He said research had shown that tobacco use posed significant threat to the health, social, environmental and the society’s economic fabric.
“Although Botswana does not produce tobacco, the increasing prevalence of tobacco use, especially among youth, is a pressing public health concern that demands immediate attention,” he said
He indicated that increasing access to rehabilitation, treatment and education on tobacco use, might save the country from non-communicable diseases such as heart diseases, cancer and respiratory diseases. He said communicable diseases such as Tuberculosis could be activated and execrated by tobacco use.
Again, he said research had shown that at least 61 per cent of tobacco users had at some point wished to quit but lacked support and assistance to succeed.
“It is imperative that we take proactive steps to prevent and reduce tobacco use, protect our community from the devastating consequences of tobacco use and provide much needed support to those affected by this harmful habit,” he said.
He appreciated the launch of the unit in Maun saying it represented a significant step forward in efforts to promote a healthier, tobacco-free future for the community.
“It has been four months into the project and to date, about 8 000 people in Maun have been reached with tobacco prevention messages through various mediums including house-to-house, outreach and dialogues.
About 2 000 people reached have undergone screening for tobacco use and from those screened, about 1 300 have indicated their willingness to quit smoking and the need for cessation services,” he said.
However, he appealed to all stakeholders, partners and the community to join forces and support those willing to quit adding that together, they could create a healthier, more resilient community where every individual had the opportunity to lead a tobacco-free life and thrive to their fullest potential.
For his part, senior chief representative, Kgosi Oleyo Ledimo appreciated the ministry and BRCS for their efforts towards protecting the community from negative impacts of tobacco.
Kgosi Ledimo said tobacco use was high but quitting was not an easy journey.
“Tobacco is a powerful addictive drug but with the right approach, one could overcome the cravings. I used to smoke and stopped because it was affecting my voice when I speak. But it took me sometime to quit and I call upon the community to support those willing to quit because it not easy,” he said.
He also noted that tobacco use had devastating consequences on one’s health and could also cause long-term negative effects on the body and environment.
“Spending on tobacco means diverting from spending the limited family resources on basic needs and therefore exacerbates poverty. It also decreases productivity,” he added.
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