According to WHO, Tobacco use (including smoking) is causally linked to a number of chronic diseases including several cancers, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cardiovascular diseases. There is also increasing evidence of an association between smoking and tuberculosis, especially in China and India. A recent study suggests that 4.83 million deaths were attributable to smoking in 2000 (Ezzati and Lopez 2004). Over half of these (2.69 million deaths) were among people aged 30 to 69 years, resulting in a large number of premature deaths. Comparisons between developing and developed countries showed equal numbers of deaths due to tobacco but the burden of disease associated with smoking was much higher in developing countries. A study conducted in Karachi states that the cancer of lung is ranked the most frequent malignancy in men in the entire 1995-2002 period. It is however a cause of concern that the overall lung cancer incidence rates continue to rise. These rates correspond with the trends of smoking prevalence in the younger age groups in the last 2 decades. Published studies have given alerts to increase in the smoking habits of the present day youngsters and with an expanding population the country can expect a substantial increase in lung cancer (Bhurgari Y et al, 2006).
Keeping in view the hazardous effects of smoking, strategy is required to prevent this menace in form anti-tobacco rules and health education; prohibition of smoking in educational institutions at all levels and a ban on the sale of cigarettes to minors (Bhurgari Y et al, 2006).
These are high sounding words. Who will step ahead? No one from outside will come to rescue us! It is we, who can make some difference. Let’s do it, let’s campaign against this hazard, else will be questioned by our coming generation for all the disease burden and deaths. One last thing, if you are a smoker yourself, even then you can make some difference.
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: Anti-tobacco campaign, No Smoking, Smoking kills, Tobacco Free Pakistan
you are totally right in saying that smokers are increasing in Pakistan at a very higher rate. even the teenage boys and specially girls are indulging in this crime.
this is because the smoking places are formally opened for the public. this is the duty of the government to check the areas and take strict actions if something wrong is happening .
awareness campaigns are very important .most of the people in Pakistan are not aware of the damages done by smoking. they copy it from person to person to add spice in life and to look cool .
the parents are too liberal in checking their children’s company and allow them to do whatever they like. mostly this happens in upper class of our society and they are the ones who do severe crimes.
where are my comments?