GEARING UP FOR A GLOBAL FIGHT AGAINST TOBACCO

By Tengku Noor Shamsiah Tengku Abdullah
SINGAPORE, July 6 (Bernama) -- Across the world, numerous efforts have been
made to bring down the number of smokers, and create awareness of the dangers of tobacco.

Despite these efforts, in 2011 alone, more than five million people are
expected to die from tobacco-related diseases - cancer, heart attack, stroke,
lung disease and others. The death toll is expected to rise to eight million by
2030.

To address these concerns, the 15th World Conference on Tobacco or Health
(WCTOH), to be held in Singapore during March 20-24, 2012, will establish a
dialogue for an effective global fight against tobacco, with a focus on
actionable strategies at the local level.

The President of the 15th WCTOH, Associate Professor Philip Eng, noted that
tobacco use is a serious issue for any society, with direct health and
socio-economic implications.

"In today’s globalised and connected environment, effective tobacco control,
too, requires global planning and local action.

"We hope this conference will provide a good networking platform for all of
us, to build on one another’s expertise, experience and knowledge," added Prof
Eng.

SINGAPORE'S EXPERIENCE

In Singapore alone, the prevalence of smoking has been on the rise between
2007 and 2010. Epidemiological data has shown that smoking is a contributory
factor to lung cancer, heart disease and other diseases.

Additionally, local data shows that there is a higher proportion of smokers
among Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI or heart-attack in layman terms) and
cancer patients, than in the general population.

The gender profile of Singaporean smokers with AMI and cancer is similar to
the gender profile of smoking non-patients. Both populations have a higher
proportion of males.

The Health Promotion Board, Singapore (HPB), a national driver for
tobacco-control programmes and strategies, is working closely with local,
regional and international non-government organisations to facilitate inclusive
collaborations, in the global fight against tobacco.

HPB’s Chief Executive Officer, Ang Hak Seng, said Singapore has employed a
holistic approach to tobacco control, seeking key partnerships with the society,
public and private sectors, to tackle the problem.

"We must come away with real strategies for real results, in the fight
against tobacco," he stressed.

The conference will also review the findings of the Global Adult Tobacco
Survey. It will develop a roadmap for a tobacco free world through the Framework
Convention on Tobacco Control, developed by the World Health Organisation (WHO
FCTC).

For more information on the 15th WCTOH, please visit www.wctoh2012.org.