National Tobacco Control Conference Held in Asmara
The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with its partners, organized a National Tobacco Control Conference on 13 June at the National Confederation of Eritrean Workers Hall under the theme 'Unmasking the Appeal – Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products.'
Dr. Andebrhan Tesfatsion, Acting Director General of Public Health, emphasized that tobacco and other addictive products are major contributors to non-communicable diseases. He underlined the need for coordinated efforts to raise public awareness and implement practical preventive measures.
Dr. Nonso Ejiofor, WHO Representative in Eritrea, urged society, especially parents, to take responsibility in educating youth about the severe consequences of tobacco use.
During the panel discussion, four research papers were presented, focusing on the National Strategy for Implementing Effective Tobacco Control Measures and the Implementation Status of Proclamation 143/2004, along with awareness-raising activities.
Participants held extensive discussions on the presented issues and adopted several recommendations.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Al Etihad
3 hours ago
- Al Etihad
WHO: Loneliness can make you very sick, cost billions in health care
30 June 2025 11:33 GENEVA (dpa)One in six people worldwide is affected by loneliness, which, along with social isolation, can lead to physical illness, contributing to 871,000 deaths worldwide annually, a World Health Organization (WHO) commission has increases the risk of strokes, heart attacks, diabetes, depression, anxiety and suicide, the WHO teenagers are 22% more likely to achieve lower grades than their peers, while lonely adults face greater challenges in finding or keeping a impact is not only individual but also societal, with billions in costs to healthcare systems and losses in commission's co-chair, Vivek Murthy, defines loneliness as "a painful, subjective feeling that many of us experience when the relationships that we need do not match the relationships that we have. And social isolation, by contrast, is an objective state of having few relationships or interactions." The Role of Digital Technologies One in three older people and one in four adolescents are estimated to be socially isolated, according to the report. Causes include illness, poor education, low income, a lack of opportunities for social interaction, living alone, and the use ofdigital noted that humans have communicated for millennia not only through words but also through facial expressions, body language, tone of voice and silence. These forms of communication are lost when people rely solely on mobile phones and social media. Sweden StrategyThe WHO highlighted Sweden as a positive example. The country has implemented a national strategy against loneliness, as reported by Swedish Social Minister Jakob recognises that loneliness is not just an individual problem but one that affects society as a whole. Efforts are being made to foster social connections in places like shops, restaurants, neighbourhoods and all children and teenagers in Sweden will receive prepaid cards that can only be used to book group leisure plans to ban mobile phones in public schools, Forssmed said. Studies have shown that this increases social interaction and reduces cyberbullying. Children and teenagers sleep better and find it easier to put their phones aside during their free added that children are often frustrated when their parents are constantly distracted by their phones. Phone-free Times While digital technologies have their benefits, such as enabling video calls that were previously impossible, the commission emphasised the importance of creating spaces in life where people can interact face-to-face without technological said "having places and spaces in our life where we can interact face to face with other people without the distraction of technology is very important."


Khaleej Times
a day ago
- Khaleej Times
Protecting children: France imposes smoking ban on beaches, parks
Anyone who lights up on a beach or in a public park in France will be breaking the law from Sunday under new rules aimed at protecting children from the dangers of passive smoking. Bus shelters and areas in the immediate vicinity of libraries, swimming pools and schools will also be affected by the ban, which is coming into force one day after its publication in the official government gazette on Saturday. The rule is being imposed one week before the beginning of the school holidays in France in a clear bid to immediately protect children from smoke on the beach. However, to the disappointment of some anti-tobacco activists, the ban does not cover the terraces of bars and restaurants where many French still happily light up. They are also unhappy that the ban does not apply to electronic cigarettes. The rules had initially been expected to come into force on Tuesday after a previous announcement by the health ministry but the publication in the official gazette means this has now been brought forward to Sunday. People should also not smoke within a 10 metres radius of schools, swimming pools, libraries and other places that hurt minors. The health ministry said it would announce the minimum distance for smoking in these areas in the coming days as well as reveal the sign used to designate such areas. Violators of the ban could face a fine of 135 euros ($160) up to a maximum of 700 euros. However the health ministry is expecting an initial grace period as the new rules are explained. "Tobacco must disappear from places where there are children. A park, a beach, a school -- these are places to play, learn, and breathe. Not for smoking," Health and Family Minister Catherine Vautrin said. This is another step "towards a tobacco-free generation", she added, which France is targeting from 2032. - 'It must be clear' - The ban "is a step in the right direction, but remains insufficient," said Yves Martinet, president of the National Committee Against Smoking (CNCT), criticising the continued permission to smoke on cafe terraces. "The minister points to the protection of children," but children "also go to the terraces," Martinet, a pulmonologist, said. He lamented the absence of e-cigarettes from the text, saying flavours are used to "hook young people". "For a measure to be effective, it must be clear -- no consumption of products containing tobacco or nicotine in public," Martinet said. But Frank Delvau, president of the Union of Hotel Trades and Industries (UMIH) for the Paris region, said a ban on smoking on cafe terraces "would only shift the problem because people on terraces would go smoke next to these establishments". "Smokers and non-smokers can coexist" on terraces, the "last places of conviviality and freedom," said Franck Trouet, of hospitality association Hotels and Restaurants of France (GHR). In France, passive exposure to tobacco smoke causes 3,000 to 5,000 deaths per year, according to official figures. Smoking is steadily declining in France with "the lowest prevalence ever recorded since 2000", according to France addiction agency the OFDT. Less than a quarter of adults aged 18 to 75 reported smoking daily in 2023, according to the agency. Smoking causes 75,000 deaths per year in France and, again according to the OFDT, costs society 156 billion euros annually, counting factors including lost lives, quality of life, productivity, prevention, law enforcement, and healthcare. According to a recent opinion survey, 62 per cent of French people favour a smoking ban in public places.

Zawya
a day ago
- Zawya
World Health Organization (WHO) supporting Guinea restore vaccine capacity after fire damage
Following a fire accident at a vaccine depot in Guinea's capital Conakry, World Health Organization (WHO) is supporting the authorities to devise urgent measures, including securing remaining vaccine stocks, to limit loss and prolonged impact of the damage. A crisis cell has been set up and contingency plans are being reinforced. WHO is working closely with the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene, UNICEF, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, World Bank, Médecins Sans Frontières and other partners to mobilize the resources to replenish vaccine stocks, relaunch vaccination campaigns and restore cold chain infrastructures. The fire, which was brought under control thanks to the rapid intervention by the fire brigade and security forces, caused huge losses. According to official estimates, around 36% of the vaccines were destroyed, or more than 4 million doses, valued at US$ 6.7 million. Three out of the six cold storage facilities were destroyed – a 61% loss of the total storage capacity. Medical, IT and logistical equipment were also damaged, representing a further loss of US$ 2.4 million. "WHO stands in solidarity with the people of Guinea following this tragic incident. We remain fully committed to supporting Guinea to rapidly restore its vaccination capacity and ensure the continuity of essential health services,' said Dr Jean Marie Kipela, WHO Representative in Guinea. In collaboration with partners, WHO is commitment to supporting Guinea assess the damage, implement emergency measures and restock essential vaccines. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) - Guinea.