Skip to main content

WHO celebrates 10 years of tobacco control in the African Region


Nairobi, 25 February 2015 – On 27 February, the World Health Organization (WHO) celebrates 10 years of implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in the African Region. Tobacco kills an estimated 6 million people every year but the true impact remains untold due to the lag of several years between when people start using tobacco and when their health suffers.
To date, 43 of 47 Member States in the WHO African Region have ratified the WHO FCTC and are implementing national tobacco policies, laws and regulations. However, much remains to be done and urgent actions are required to prevent the effects of this scourge of modern times. Besides premature death, the use of tobacco robs families of incomes, raises health care costs, and hinders economic developments.
“WHO is committed to fighting this global tobacco epidemic and the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control reaffirms peoples’ right to the highest standard of health.  All stakeholders must counter the dangerous health, social, environmental and economic effects of tobacco,” says Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Can we now cure HIV in newborns?

Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net Doctors are reporting that a child born with HIV that was put on an unusually aggressive treatment regimen has been functionally cured of the infection. Using the most sensitive HIV testing available, they were able to find only trace amounts of HIV "particles" but no virus capable of replicating, the research team reported. "If there is a trial that shows this can happen again, then this will be very important," said Dr. Karin Nielsen, a pediatrician who specializes in infectious diseases at UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine. "You'll be able to treat people very intensively and reverse the disease." The news provides no answers for adults living with HIV but it can be a landmark victory in the health of future generations. Every year, 300,000 to 400,000 babies are born infected with HIV according to Dr. Anthony Fauci, head of the National Institute for Allergies and Infectious Diseases.   The ...
132 comments
Read more

Erectile dysfunction linked to diabetes

Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net Recent research indicates that 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes have a form of neuropathy, a leading cause of erectile dysfunction (ED). Diabetes is a condition of elevated blood sugar that is caused by poor production or lack of insulin.  Diabetes is also commonly tied to obesity, high blood pressure and cholesterol – all contributors to ED. Neuropathy or the side effects of the medications used to treat cardiovascular disease are risk factors for ED.  Other symptoms such as pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands, arms, feet, and legs are among the most common symptoms of neuropathy. Neuropathy can also cause digestive system symptoms that include indigestion, nausea and vomiting.  It is very common to experience diarrhea or constipation as well.  These factors greatly impact one’s ability to absorb nutrients and contributes to weight changes, weakness and other complications such as depression. Am I at ...
4 comments
Read more

Tebowing to Lose Weight

Weight loss goals commonly coincide with vacation plans, reunions and weddings. In order to address the added pounds, there is a very critical component to success that is commonly overlooked. If you start a weight loss program and begin to fall off track, it’s usually not your bulging belly or your expanding upper thighs that get in the way—it’s your brain. Preparing your mind for weight loss is more important that the program itself. We will lay out the 4 step solution to help you start and complete your exercise and nutrition regimen. This process will not only help you become more successful and healthy, but also make it easier to re-start if you get off track. Preparation Begin by thinking of your weight loss goal as a project, much like renovating your kitchen or restoring a car. In order to complete such a project you would need a solid, effective and realistic plan of action. Remember that is not about superficial rewards, it’s about the complete packa...
3 comments
Read more