The International Community, including The Gambia observed world no tobacco day. The theme for this year’s celebration is smoke free inside.

Delivering his statement at the ceremony Dr Mbowe, Secretary of State for Health and Social Welfare has duelled on the right to clean air, emphasising that free from tobacco smoke is a fundamental human right. Non smokers, he added, have a right not to be exposed to other peoples smoke. According to him, the day is commemorated in The Gambia, alongside other member states of the world health organisation, to address the harmful effects of the use of tobacco, in all its forms, be it smoking, chewing, sniffing. The theme focus on 100% smoke free environment’ which he said is widely regarded as the only effective measure to protect public health.

Dr Mbowe further pointed out that in May 2003, 192 member states of the WHO, including The Gambia, unanimously adopted the WHO framework convention of tobacco control. Consequently, member states express their firm commitments to tackle the public health challenges posed by tobacco, adding that the signing of FTCT in 2003 demonstrates the commitment of the government of The Gambia to protect and promote the well-being of The Gambia. ‘‘This commitment has been demonstrated by the repeal of the tobacco products advertisement bill of 2000 and the subsequent enactment of the bill banning smoking public places. The bill has been ratified by the National Assembly and has been asserted by His Excellency, the President Dr. Alhagi Yaya AJJ Jammeh in July 1998’’, he added.

Dr Nestor Shivute, World Health Organisation (WHO) Representative in The Gambia said, ‘tobacco is the second major cause of mortality in the world.
Dr Shivute further added that the tobacco industry has constantly misled and misinformed the public on both the health risks and dangers of passive smoking, and the economic consequences of banning smoking, adding that efforts to slow down the implementation of effective legislation, aimed at protecting workers and the public from second hand smoke.  ‘‘Most countries of our region has legislation that prohibits smoking in public places, but effective implementation remains a problem,’’ he noted.

Adama Jobe, Director of Science and Technology Education, who deputised for the SoS for Education, said tobacco poses a big threat to the attainment of universal primary education as articulated in the UN Millennium Development Goals. ‘The Gambia cannot and must not therefore, stand in isolation in this global anti-tobacco crusade, he added.

Lamin FM Jaiteh, from the Regional Directorate of Region One, gave the welcoming remarks. The vote of thanks was delivered by Babucarr Dibasy, a student from Latrikunda Upper Basic School. A good number of students attended the ceremony. Mariatou Jallow, Director of medical services, chaired the ceremony.