BAN-KI-MOON.jpgOn World No-Tobacco Day, I urge all governments to address this public health threat. Tobacco use is not stylish or empowering. It is ugly and deadly,” UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon said in observance of the World No-Tobacco Day.

Saying tobacco is ugly and deadly, United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon urged governments to protect women from smoking as he stressed that an estimated 2.5-million deaths may be had among women by 2030, if no action is taken to decrease tobacco use.

Ban issued the call during Monday's observance of the World No-Tobacco Day.

“Evidence indicates that the prevalence rate of tobacco use among women is on the rise in some countries. Governments everywhere must take action to protect women from tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship, as stipulated in the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control,” Ban said in his message in observance of the World No-Tobacco Day Monday.

“The convention also calls on governments to protect women from second-hand tobacco smoke,especially in countries where women feel powerless to protect themselves and their children,” he said.

“We must turn back the global tobacco epidemic. On World No-Tobacco Day, I urge all governments to address this public health threat. Tobacco use is not stylish or empowering. It is ugly and deadly,” he added.

The UN Secretary- General noted that although only one of 10 women is a smoker, there are an estimated 200- million women smokers around the world with the figure expected to increase in the coming years due to the influence of tobacco advertisements.

Based on a study conducted by the WHO, about 600,000 people die every year from second-hand smoke, of which nearly two-thirds are women, while more than 1.5- million women die every year from tobacco use.

“Most of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. Without concerted action, that number could rise to 2.5- million women by the year 2030,” Ban warned.

An earlier study conducted by Filipino experts revealed tobacco is “inextricably linked to poverty” after experts found that tobacco consumption is “higher among the poorest households” and that tobacco products divert scarce resources supposed to be used for food consumption.

Aside from lung cancer, which is the leading “killer disease” in the country, cigarette smoking can also cause emphysema, chronic bronchitis, ischemic heart disease, and hypertension.

In June 2003, President Arroyo signed the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 or Republic Act (R. A.) 9211.

The law's main thrusts include the regulation and subsequent banning of “all tobacco advertisements and sponsorships,” regulation of the labeling of tobacco products, and the prohibition on the sale of tobacco products to minors.

Meanwhile, the City of Mandaluyong supported the World No Tobacco Day by focusing on what women feel about smoking and its effects.

During a symbolic celebration at the Mandaluyong City Hall Monday morning, a 10-year-old girl said it would be hard for her to follow the lead of her father if he smokes at home.

On the other hand, a pregnant mother shared her plea for smokers around her to stop. “It is not only bad for my health, but also for the child whom I am carrying right now,” she added.

Other women who shared their concerns were a second-year female college student, a female government employee, a doctor, a policewoman, and a senior citizen mom.

Mayor Benhur Abalos, Vice-Mayor Rene Sta. Maria, and City Health chief Dr. Pecos Ibañez Camarines held an ash tray topped with a flower, showing the universal symbol for Monday's worldwide campaign.

“As an example to my constituents, I myself have stopped smoking and it has been one and a half years since my last cigarette stick,” Abalos said.

In Makati, the city government’s anti-smoking ordinance, which has been enforced since 2002, coincided well with the goal of the WHO Makati City Ordinance No. 2002-090, otherwise known as the “Revised Anti-Smoking Ordinance of Makati” prohibits smoking in all enclosed public spaces and vehicles. Since its approval years back, this ordinance has been strictly sustained by Makati Mayor Jejomar C. Binay ever since.

In fact, Makati City has been one of the few cities which have strictly complied with Republic Act 9211, or the Tobacco Regulation Act. (With reports from Carlo S. Suerte Felipe and Czarina Nicole O. Ong)