Zimbabwe Rolls Out Anti-Smoking Campaign
25 June 2012
Ntungamili Nkomo | Washington DC
The Zimbabwean government embarks on an anti-smoking campaign this week
hoping to convince hundreds of thousands of tobacco smokers to quit the
practice that kills about 6 million people around the world every year.
The health ministry will officially launch the campaign in Binga, northern
Zimbabwe on Friday where officials will highlight the dangers of smoking.
Tobacco smoking is associated with fatal lung and heart diseases such as
heart attacks, strokes, lung cancer and the chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease, among others.
Health Minister Henry Madzorera says the nation-wide campaign targets both
active and passive smokers as they face the same risks. He took a swipe at
tobacco companies for running deceiving ads to entice smokers, especially
the young.
“We are dealing with an industry that opposes our campaign,” Madzorera said.
“They go all out to advertise smoking as if it is good. They show you nice
beautiful girls, half-dressed as if to say if you smoked you would get one
of them.”
Besides facing stiff resistance from tobacco companies, the government
awareness drive is sure to run into trouble with farmers whose livelihoods
are anchored on the golden leaf.
As is in many countries, lighting up in public places such as buses, clinics
and restaurants is outlawed in Zimbabwe, and officials say they will remind
non-smokers they have a right to report those who smoke in a prohibited
place.
Social commentator Mandlenkosi Gatsheni told VOA for the anti-smoking
campaign to bear fruits, the government should disseminate its message in
the media in addition to other methods.