World No Tobacco Day 2009

In South Africa, more than 43 000 people die every year from diseases directly and indirectly related to tobacco smoke. Tobacco smoke contains at least 4 000 chemicals of which many can cause cancer.

The Western Cape Department of Health celebrated World No Tobacco Day today at the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital's Johnson & Johnson Hall. This celebration which coincides with the international World No Tobacco day on 31 May 2009 focused on the new tobacco legislation and tobacco control during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

This year's theme, "Tobacco Health Warnings", highlights the health warnings appearing on packs of cigarettes as one of the strongest defences against the global epidemic of tobacco.

On World No Tobacco Day 2009, and throughout the following year, the World Health Organisation (WHO) will encourage governments to adopt tobacco health warnings that meet all the criteria for maximum effectiveness, including that they cover more than half of the pack and appear on both the front and back of the pack and also contain pictures.

The Department aims to share information on tobacco legislation, obtain cooperation to engage in health promotion activities and to facilitate the development of action plans in terms of tobacco control.

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Issued by the Directorate: Communications for the Western Cape Department of Health.

Contact:
Sithembiso Magubane
Tel: 021 483 9981
Cell: 073 662 5482