Issue, 35, Tobacco or Health, published on July 2008.

Tobacco or Health

During the past few decades to present, Cambodia has had one of the highest smoking prevalence rates in the world, and most people who started smoking are just 20 years old. With economics and social influences the increased tobacco consumption is putting Cambodian people at risk of health and poverty problems.

The harmful effects of tobacco use are steadily creating an enormous burden for Cambodia in health care costs, lost roductivity and the intangible costs of pain and suffering inflicted upon smokers and their families. At present, 80% of Cambodian children live with at least one smoker; they will be affected by passive smoking, and they might follow the example of their parents and become smokers themselves.

If swift action is not taken, many Cambodians will die, even more than HIV/AIDS, TB, maternal mortality and road accidents combined.

In reducing the tobacco consumption rates in Cambodia, the Ministry of Health, the Inter-Ministerial Committee for Education and Reduction of Tobacco Use in Cambodia and various NGOs have been actively working together on legislations and educations, particularly on banning all forms of tobacco advertisement, promotion and sponsorship. These agents are also promoting effective polices, such as smoke-free workplaces, and many other regulations advocated by the World Health Organization. I sincerely hope that this issue of the health messenger will bring Cambodia one step forward to a society not burdened by tobacco.