As ‘World No Tobacco Day’ was observed today, May 31, 2021, for Fiji National University (FNU) it was an opportunity to raise awareness of the harmful and deadly effects of tobacco use in the country.
FNU’s Dean of the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Dr William May said as a national institution, FNU is proud to have one of the first smoke-free campuses in the country.
“This shows our commitment to the health and wellbeing of all our students, staff, and visitors,” said Dr May.
“Tobacco causes 8 million deaths every year from cardiovascular diseases, lung disorders, cancers, diabetes, hypertension, and many other debilitating diseases.
“Of the 1.3 billion tobacco users globally, 60 per cent have expressed the desire to quit but only 30 per cent have access to the tools to help them to do so successfully.”
Dr May said the current evidence suggests that smoking is associated with severe progression of COVID-19 (diseases and deaths among hospitalised patients), which triggered more smokers to want to quit tobacco.
“However, quitting can be challenging, especially with the added social and economic stress that has come as a result of the pandemic.
“Tobacco cessation services have faced several challenges during the pandemic due to lockdown, the burden on the health systems, etc.
“It is important to note that strong cessation services increase the chance of successfully quitting tobacco, and save lives, improve health, and save money.”
Dr May said in Fiji, more men aged 25-64 years are reported as current smokers than women.
“Its 47.0 per cent vs 14.3 per cent.
“To encourage tobacco cessation, the Fiji Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MoHMS) has continuously implemented a media campaign about the dangers of tobacco use and the benefits of quitting.
“With support from WHO, the Fiji MoHMS has partnered with the Hope Clinic in Suva to expand the training of health care professionals in Fiji as well as to develop protocols and materials to support tobacco cessation services.”
