World No Tobacco Day was nationally commemorated in Eritrea on the 2nd of June 2012 under the theme, “Tobacco industry interference.” The event was marked at the capital city in Asmara through an advocacy meeting that was organized by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Regional MoH office with the support of the WHO Country Office.

The event was officially opened by the Regional MoH Director, Dr Tesfai Solomon, representing the Minister of Health as well as the WCO DPC National Program Officer, Dr Yohannes Ghebrat, on behalf of the WHO Representative a.i, in the presence of about 300 representatives of key stakeholders, high government officials and partners.

In his remarks, Dr Solomon highlighted on the global and national trends of the tobacco epidemic and emphasized on the ongoing efforts that the government is making to control this epidemic. Further in his remarks, Dr Solomon called up on all stakeholders to join hands and support these efforts for greater achievements.

In addition to various awareness raising activities that were conducted throughout the years, other major efforts that were highlighted in the message include: A proclamation to provide for tobacco control was issued in 2004 and mandate was given to all zonal administrations to implement the proclamation with the directives for:

• Immediate post of No Smoking Signs
• Prohibit smoking at public places with special emphasis on Restaurants
• Prohibit selling tobacco product to a minor
• Control tobacco sales in places other than those prescribed by regulation
• Eliminate all tobacco promotion and advertising materials
• Distribute copies of the Proclamation

Dr Ghebrat on his part, delivering the WHO Regional Director’s message emphasized on the fact that: “There is evidence of increasing use of tobacco, particularly among girls. Tobacco use kills nearly six million people each year, and of these more than 600,000 are people exposed to second-hand smoke.”

Further in the RD’s message, it was underlined that there is, “urgent need for countries to take concrete steps to implement the WHO FCTC and ensure that the public is fully aware of the negative health consequences of smoking and second-hand smoke. In formulating and implementing public policies, decision makers are called upon to ensure that these policies are protected from the vested interests of the tobacco industry.”

WCO is making continuous and extensive advocacy efforts for Eritrea to ratify to the FCTC. During the event three informative presentations, aimed at raising the awareness of the participants and the general public, were delivered. These presentations were on:

• Findings on a recently conducted WHO STEPS III Survey (that includes Tobacco),
• The Rising Tide of the Global Tobacco Epidemic
• Tobacco Health Hazards & Control

To further enhance the awareness of youth a general knowledge contest was conducted among government employed youth from different ministries.

In addition to the official statements and presentations, drama groups displayed an educational drama on tobacco and its associated perils. To further magnify the activities and enhance the general public awareness the event received full coverage of the mass media.

Eritrea Commemorates World No Tobacco Day 2012 [pdf: 500.56 kB]