Issued by: GCIS
The international theme for World No-Tobacco Day in 1999 is "Leave the Pack Behind".
The Department of Health has succeeded a step forward in preventing harmful effects of tobacco products by passing the Tobacco Products Control Amendment Act 12 of 1999.
Its primary concerns are the effects of tobacco on the health of millions of South Africans. The most recent survey conducted by Human Science Research Council (HSRC) and Medical Research Council (MRC) in November 1998 estimate that more than 4 million people world-wide will die of tobacco related illnesses every year. In South Africa alone an estimate of 25 000 people die of diseases attributed to cigarette smoking ev!ery year. Smokers lose an average of 12 years of life to smoking habit.
The research statistics conducted by the HSRC and MRC show the following estimated prevalence among South African adults: 41% African males, 3% African females, 62% Coloured males, 41% Coloured females, 47% Indian males, 1% Indian females, 45% White males and 28% White females. This brings the number to most 25%.
Studies also show that the smoking prevalence is growing among the young children at an alarming rate. The study conducted in Johannesburg in 1997 shows that tobacco advertising and sponsorship encourage children to smoke. They recognise the brand names of tobacco products, with 76% of them recognising Rothmans' logo. Children as young as 7 years old incorporate images evidently depicted by tobacco advertising.
The harmful effects of cigarette smoking on the health of non-smokers (passive smoking) are of serious concern and public smoking further encourages this.However, we wish to reiterate the Tobacco Products Amendment Act 12 of 1999 as one of the strong government policies to:
31 May 1999