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From 6 July 2006, a graphic version of the current edition is available at the Daily News Online web site.

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Addressing the nation in radio broadcast to mark the commemoration of the World No Tobacco Day yesterday, the Minister of Health, Shiela Tlou, said the day was set aside by countries to draw global attention to the tobacco epidemic, preventable diseases and deaths that it causes.

Tlou said this years theme Tobacco: Deadly in Any Form or Disguise aims to sensitise customers and policy makers to the fact that the use of all tobacco products is extremely harmful and that all tobacco products, not just manufactured cigarettes, should be strictly regulated.

She said the message of the day was to inform the public about the dangers of using tobacco, what WHO and member states were doing about tobacco epidemic and what people around the world could do to claim their right to health.

She added that one of the common forms of deception used by tobacco companies was marketing of the so-called low tar, light or ultra light cigarettes.

Tlou said research has shown that a large percentage of smokers believe that low tar cigarettes contain less tar and nicotine that were less harmful than regular cigarettes.

She said it also showed that the introduction of these brands has dissuaded many smokers from quitting by giving those concerned about their health an option to switch down to a lower tar or nicotine level.

Raising awareness about these misleading terms and brands would be the primary focus of my ministry this year, she said.

She said tobacco addiction was a global problem that was increasingly ravaging developing countries, while the tobacco industry continues to put profits before life and its own economic gain ahead of the sustainable development of struggling countries.

Tlou explained that the tobacco industry continued to expose its old and new customers to more insidious levels of deception by promoting and selling new products disguised under healthier names, fruity flavours or more attractive packaging.

She said the government was determined to face these challenges as is indicated by the enactment of the Control of Smoking Act of 1992 and its subsequent amendment in 2004.

The Control of Smoking Act bans tobacco advertising and smoking in public transport, and the amendment bans smoking in any enclosed, indoor area of any or public workplace of facility, except in designated separate rooms where smoking was allowed subject to specified conditions.

The law also forbids the sale of tobacco products to any person under age 18. Botswana has also shown commitment to the international cooperation in the control of tobacco and its products by being among the first countries to sign the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in 2003 and subsequently ratifying it in January 2005.

Tlou said the truth about tobacco could empower people to improve their own health, as well as health of their own families, friends and others in their communities.

This is consistent with the ideals of good health and protection of the environment, she said.

She said her ministry valued this day because it also gives us an opportunity to update the public on the steps that are being taken to protect them against harmful effects of tobacco use.

She urged tobacco users to ensure that they give the day the maximum respect by abstaining from the habit, at least for a day.

All of us should appreciate that tobacco use is a problem that cannot be ignored, she said.

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