New call to curb increase in smoking in the UAE

SMOKING CONCERN: Latest figures show smoking is on the increase in the UAE. (Getty Images)

As many as 42 percent of 17-year-olds in the UAE are smokers, latest figures reveal.

According to a study conducted by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the number of people, particularly men, smoking tobacco in the UAE has increased and local health officials are using Ramadan to call on smokers to quit.

The study suggests 24 percent of males aged between 13 and 15, and as many as 42 percent of males aged 17, are currently smoking tobacco.

The study revealed 20 percent of the UAE's total male population are regular smokers.

"Smoking is embedded in eastern culture and we need to change the mentality of the significant part of our population who believe this to be true," said Dr Ahmed El Hakim, director, External Affairs & Policy, Pfizer Middle East.

"The UAE's public sector is already engaged in quit smoking campaigns that encourage people to care for themselves and others, understand the risks of smoking, and seek support.

"These campaigns will eventually break down the barriers that are stopping our nation from achieving optimum health," added Dr Hakim.

In support of the global stop smoking campaign, the UAE Ministry of Health has approved the registration of Champix, a treatment for breaking the cycle of tobacco addiction.

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READERS' COMMENTS

Smoking
Posted by Habib Marwan, Dubai, UAE on Wednesday 17 September 2008 at 07:03 UAE time


Whilst trying to encourage smokers to quit, and preventing in-door smoking. The authorities have by accident actually increased the health risk to smokers. By pushing smokers into outdoor spaces where the heat is, there is now the risk of heat stroke as a result of smoking in the extreme heat of the UAE. Sharjah would be even worse, as smoking anywhere indoors is not permitted. I'm sure if someone is monitoring, they will find heart related illnesses amongst smokers has increased by the end of the year.

It's a good thing if smokers quit, however it's a bad thing to place smokers in the extreme heat. In this climate of the UAE, for the safety of smokers, it's actually more prudent to place them in designated areas that have air conditioning.

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