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Death For Sale! Toxic Cigarettes Flood African Market

Published

6 years ago

on

Nigeria at risk of circulation of dangerous brands

Few years back, manufacturers of cigarettes sold in Nigeria were compelled to carry warnings on their packs such as “Cigarette smokers are liable to die young” . Warnings such as “The Federal Ministry of Health warns that tobacco smoking is dangerous to health”, “Smoking causes lung cancer, heart disease, and emphysema and may complicate pregnancy”,   and “Quitting smoking now greatly reduces serious risks to your health” are widespread, but perhaps what they failed to point out is that cigarettes are licensed to kill. Cigarette smoking Even though smoking is a “gradual killer”, it is a deadly finisher. A cigarette is the only consumer product guaranteed to kill the user when used exactly as prescribed. All over the world, smoking is routinely linked with adverse health and declining wellness. Smoking is the No.1 cause of preventable death, killing more people than many known non-communicable disorders. Approximately one person dies every six seconds due to tobacco, accounting for one in 10 adult deaths. Up to half of current users will eventually die of a tobacco-related disease such as cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases and other respiratory diseases. Now there are fears that cigarettes sold in some African countries are more toxic than those smoked in Europe. Ordinarily, cigarettes are toxic to human health, but some brands are even more toxic because they contain higher levels of addictive nicotine and tar. The chemicals in cigarette smoke harm nearly every organ of the body. Tobacco smoke contains a deadly mix of more than 7,000 chemicals. Hundreds are toxic. About 70 are known to cause cancer. None of these chemicals has an overall health benefit. One of the components of cigarettes is nicotine, which is deadly and habit-forming. While smoking harms the smokers’ health, it also puts lives of people around in danger because they inhale the smoke exhaled (second hand smoking). An investigation by Marie Maurisse, winner of Public Eye’s Investigation Award found that every year, Switzerland exports more cigarettes than it does chocolate. Also, exclusive tests showed that the tobacco industry has double standards: cigarettes sold in Africa are more toxic than those smoked in Europe. One of the major destinations of the toxic cigarettes, according to the report, is Casablanca in Morocco where every smoker favours cigarettes made in Switzerland.      It was found that cigarettes produced on Swiss soil and sold in Morocco are much stronger, more addictive and more toxic than those sold in Switzerland or France. For each substance tested, according to the report, nearly all cigarettes produced in Switzerland and consumed in Morocco contained levels higher than that found in Swiss and French cigarettes. The results reveal a double standard – if Moroccans smoke cigarettes that are more harmful than those smoked by Europeans, it can be taken for granted that every other African who smokes actively or passively is at risk. According to the report, Switzerland often promotes the fact that it exports its delicious chocolate, or prestigious watches, to the world. Yet there is another Swiss product that is just as successful, but far less vaunted: cigarettes. In 2016, Switzerland produced 34.6 billion cigarettes – nearly two billion packets. Some 25 per cent were sold on the domestic market. Nearly 75 per cent were exported, providing enough cigarettes for over four million people to smoke a packet a day over the year. Although tobacco sales have fallen by 38 per cent in Europe, over the past 20 years, thanks to preventative campaigns and price increases, the reverse is the case in Africa where producers are increasingly pushing so-called new “reduced-risk products”, which supposedly provide consumers with nicotine without the harmful effects of tobacco. The implication of smoking such toxic cigarettes, according to medical experts, is rise in deaths from lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pneumonia, and other respiratory diseases. Emerging markets such as Nigeria remain attractive target, no thanks to ineffective regulatory and enforcement activities and weak health policies. Researches estimate that 80 per cent of smokers live in low- or middle-income countries. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that there are 77 million smokers in Africa, namely 6.5 per cent of the continent’s population. The institution predicts that by 2025, the figure will rise by nearly 40 per cent compared to 2010 – the steepest increase globally. The number of tobacco-related deaths on the continent will double by 2030 in what the WHO describes as an “epidemic”. Marie Maurisse said: “It’s very difficult to investigate the tobacco industry because it’s very secretive”.   Morocco appears to be an excellent gateway into these markets: according to a study carried out by the Moroccan Ministry of Health, 13 per cent of smokers in the country are aged 15 and under. And the proportion of girls who smoke is starting to rival that of boys.   Producers use very aggressive advertising campaigns to attract new and young customers and to promote their cigarettes. In many African countries, there is weak enforcement of laws for preventative measures against tobacco. However, the reverse is the case in Western countries.   According to the WHO: “Evidence shows that measures such as taxing tobacco, graphic warning pictures, a full ban on advertising and promotion of, patronage for and help to stop smoking, all serve to reduce demand for tobacco products. Many of the big global tobacco manufacturers engage in widespread lobbying and legal procedures against evidence-based anti-smoking policies going as far as opposing introduction of health warnings on cigarette packets in some countries. In Morocco just like in Nigeria, there is law adopted to ban smoking in bars and restaurants but it is not enforced.   However, the bottom line is that smoking is no longer fashionable. Many countries have pushed out some of the toughest anti-tobacco laws and restrictions in history. In many countries smoking openly in public places such as restaurants, airports or bus stops is forbidden. Smoking is restricted in designated places and even when you smoke in privacy, people who see you smoking consider you a nuisance and threat to public health. Family and friends repeatedly tell you smoking will kill you. And they are right. The National Tobacco Control Bill, NTCB 2014 stipulates a minimum of six months imprisonment or N50,000 or both for individuals that smoke outside public places designated as smoking areas. However, stronger policies are required to protect the citizens from the dangers of tobacco. Enforcing the ban on public smoking   and saving lives and reducing health costs through the new smoke-free laws are continue to be relevant.

 

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Health

Africa CDC Congratulates Democratic Republic of the Congo on Launching Mpox Vaccination Campaign

Published

1 month ago

on

October 6, 2024

By

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) congratulates the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on the successful launch of its Mpox vaccination campaign in two high-priority provinces.

This marks a critical milestone in the ongoing efforts to control the Mpox outbreak and safeguard vulnerable populations across the country.


In collaboration with the DRC’s Ministry of Public Health and Prevention, Africa CDC, along with its global partners, including European Union / HERA, United States Government, World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, Gavi, and the World Food Programme (WFP) is supporting the vaccination of key at-risk groups in Equateur and North Kivu provinces. The campaign will soon expand to additional provinces to ensure more comprehensive coverage.


The arrival of 265,000 doses of the MVA-BN Mpox vaccines, generously donated by the European Union and facilitated by Africa CDC in collaboration with Bavarian Nordic, the Government of the United States, and Gavi, is a significant step toward improving the country’s capacity to manage the outbreak. Africa CDC applauds this collaboration, which underscores the collective global commitment to tackling Mpox in Africa.


“Africa CDC commends the DRC’s swift action in launching the vaccination campaign, which showcases the strength of its public health leadership. By prioritizing vulnerable populations, including frontline health workers and those most at risk, the country is taking critical steps to contain the outbreak. Africa CDC remains committed to working closely with the DRC to ensure vaccines reach those who need them the most, while also working to strengthen health systems to prevent future outbreaks. Our top priority is to secure safe and effective vaccines for children in the next phase of vaccination,” said Africa CDC Director General, H.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya.


Mpox continues to pose a serious threat, particularly to vulnerable groups such as children, individuals with compromised immune systems, and those living in areas with limited healthcare access. The Continental Incident Management Support Team (IMST) has been actively engaged in supporting the DRC’s response efforts by providing technical expertise, coordinating vaccine deployment, and offering logistical assistance to ensure effective distribution across affected regions.


Africa CDC also recognizes the crucial role of infection prevention and control measures, community engagement, and public awareness campaigns in curbing the spread of Mpox. These efforts, alongside vaccination, are essential in protecting populations and minimizing the impact of the outbreak.

As part of its commitment to the fight against Mpox, Africa CDC will continue to support DRC and all 16 other affected countries’ response through technical assistance, capacity-building, and coordination with international partners. The vaccination campaign serves as a critical tool in safeguarding public health, and Africa CDC looks forward to further collaborative efforts to protect communities and strengthen Africa’s resilience against future public health threats.

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Health

Africa CDC congratulates Japan and DRC on the Signing of Notes for a donation of Mpox Vaccines

Published

2 months ago

on

September 18, 2024

By

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

Africa CDC congratulates the Government of Japan and the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on the agreement to donate Lc16 Mpox vaccines, along with specialized inoculation needles.

A signing ceremony in Kinshasa formalized the exchange of notes for this crucial grant, marking a significant milestone in the cooperation between the two governments.

This donation comes at a pivotal time as the DRC continues to battle a regional Mpox outbreak, with cases rising significantly since November 2023. Japan’s contribution is a crucial boost as the Mpox vaccine is the only shot currently approved for children.

Mpox has been endemic in several African countries for decades. On 13 August 2024, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS). This declaration prompted a more coordinated international response. Vaccination is one part of a comprehensive response, including surveillance, case detection, clinical care, infection prevention and control, and risk communication and community engagement. The challenges in responding can quickly be exacerbated if Africa has limited access to critical countermeasures such as vaccines and diagnostics.

The outbreak has disproportionately affected vulnerable populations, with children accounting for 60% of cases and people living with HIV/AIDS experiencing the most severe outcomes. Given these challenges, Africa CDC has called for a united and coordinated response to address the crisis.

H.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, expressed his gratitude for Japan’s support, stating:
“I am deeply appreciative of Japan’s generous donation of Lc16 Mpox vaccines and specialized vaccination needles to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This timely assistance will significantly bolster our ongoing efforts to contain the outbreak, and I am confident that this partnership will help mitigate the public health threat posed by Mpox, not only in the DRC but across the continent.”

The Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Takeshi Akahori, added:
“We are aware that the number of infection cases continues to rise in the DRC and other countries, and we are monitoring the situation closely in coordination with the WHO. I hope that these vaccines and needles will contribute meaningfully to the fight against Mpox.”

Japan remains committed to supporting the DRC in its fight against this public health threat, working closely with Africa CDC, the World Health Organization (WHO), and other global health partners.

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Health

Rainy Season: LAWMA Completes Rehabilitation of Olusosun Dumpsite

Published

6 months ago

on

May 2, 2024

By

…calls for responsible waste disposal

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

As the rains approach, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has completed the rehabilitation of Olusosun dumpsite, to ensure smooth waste disposal operations across the state.

Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, who made this known in a statement on Thursday, said the maintenance effort was aimed at improving operational efficiency in anticipation of the rainy season.

He said, “Our primary objective in rehabilitating Olusosun dumpsite is to ensure that waste disposal trucks can navigate through the dumpsite seamlessly, even in adverse weather conditions, especially during heavy rainfall when logistical challenges tend to arise”.

Dr. Gbadegesin stated that, in addition to the recently completed maintenance efforts, LAWMA was focused on enhancing operational efficiency to improve turnaround times for waste disposal trucks, adding that the rehabilitation would significantly reduce queue times, translating to faster and more effective waste collection services.

“Our commitment to environmental sustainability extends beyond operational enhancements. We urge residents to join us in prioritising responsible waste disposal practices to safeguard our environment”, he stressed.

The LAWMA boss further highlighted the importance of proper waste disposal, urging residents to avoid dumping waste in drains, especially during the rainy season, known for disrupting the drainage system and posing serious environmental risks to lives and properties.

“We encourage residents to patronise accredited Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators for their waste disposal needs. By supporting licensed operators, individuals contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment for all”, he reiterated.

The Managing Director emphasised the importance of residents familiarising themselves with their PSPs, who play a vital role in waste management at the local level, adding that, by understanding and engaging with their designated PSP operators, residents could ensure efficient and effective waste disposal services in their communities.

“We are committed to facilitating this process by publishing detailed PSP contacts for all areas in the state. This initiative aims to empower residents to take ownership of waste management practices in their neighborhoods, ultimately contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment for all”, he assured.

For more information about LAWMA’s initiatives and how to support efforts to maintain a clean environment, please visit www.lawma.gov.ng or call our toll-free numbers: 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020 and 617.

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