Gauteng Health MEC, Ms Qedani Mahlangu will on Tuesday, 31 May 2016 join the global family of nations in commemorating the World Health Organization World No Tobacco Day. The Day is held to highlight the harm caused by tobacco use and to advocate for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption.

Under the theme: “Get ready for plain packaging” discussion will put emphasis on packaging of tobacco products. According statistics tobacco kills about 44 000 South Africans a year and seriously harms the health of millions more.

Research indicates that plain and standardised packaging reduce the appeal in tobacco packaging, ends deceptive labelling, and increases the effectiveness of health warnings. Eye-catching logos and colours on packs, as well as untruthful claims that some cigarettes are less harmful than others will be prohibited.

Members of the media are invited to the event as follows:

Date: 31 May 2016
Time: 09h00
Venue: Diepkloof, Zone 3 7644 Multipurpose Centre

For more information and interviews:
Steve Mabona o
Cell: 072 574 3860