[Intl-tobacco] Namibia: Government to Curtail Smoking (fwd)

[Robert Weissman]

Government to Curtail Smoking
by Tabby Moyo
Source: All-Africa.com, 2001-10-04

CABINET has given the Health Ministry the go-ahead to introduce a bill
that will control the advertising, sale and smoking of tobacco products.
The Tobacco Control Bill, which has been drafted with input from the
Cancer Association of Namibia, calls for a total ban of cigarette smoking
in public places.

At present Government has, in principle, banned smoking in all its
offices.

In her submission to Cabinet, Health Minister Libertina Amathila said
tobacco smoking was highly prevalent in Namibia and caused diseases,
including cancer, lung and heart diseases.

A survey conducted by the Ministry's Directorate of Social Services showed
that 65 per cent of males and 35 per cent of females in Namibia smoke more
than 10 cigarettes per day.

It is further estimated that 50 per cent of Namibia's youth smoke
regularly.

Amathila said there was need for legislation to control media advertising,
sale and smoking of tobacco and to prevent the occurrence of diseases
associated with tobacco use.

The Health Ministry is seeking a total ban on cigarette advertisements.

In April this year South Africa introduced similar legislation that banned
advertising of tobacco products as well as sponsorships by tobacco
companies.

Recently the Director of the Cancer Association, Kurt Johannesson, lashed
out at tobacco companies which he said had tremendous influence
financially as well as politically and which encouraged tolerance between
smokers and non-smokers.

In terms of the South African Tobacco Products Control Amendment Act, on
which Namibia's proposed legislation is based, only a portion of areas
declared "public" such as pubs, bars, casinos and restaurants are
designated as smoking areas.