FCTA advocates for effective policy to reduce tobacco consumption

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has called on the Federal Government to introduce an effective policy that will lead to a decline in tobacco consumption and prohibit parents from sending their children to buy tobacco-related products.

The Director of the Public Health Department, FCTA, Dr Doris John, made the call on Tuesday during a press briefing in Abuja to mark the 2024 World No Tobacco Day.

The event featured a road walk involving officials of the Public Health Department and students from Government Science Technical College (GSTC), Area 3, Garki, Abuja.

Dr. John explained that involving students in the walk was in alignment with the theme of this year’s World No Tobacco Day, which is “Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference.”

She warned parents against smoking in front of their children and condemned the practice of sending children to purchase tobacco products, calling for strict legal action against such parents.

The director also called on schools in the Federal Capital Territory to form a “No Tobacco Club”, adding that it would help to reduce the menace of tobacco intake among youths.

She also expressed concern that the tobacco industry targets children and youths to cultivate a new generation of customers, citing studies showing that most smokers start before the age of 18.

On her part, the FCT Coordinator for the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Kumshida Balami, urged children to join the campaign against tobacco use for a tobacco-free world. She encouraged students to reject tobacco whenever it is offered to them, emphasizing that a healthy lifestyle is always the best choice.