According to statistics from WHO tobacco kills more than 6 million people a year, particularly in less developing countries. Tobacco harms parts of the body especially inner breathing and digestive organs .
The World Health Organization’s study has shown that 15% of Rwandan citizens smoke tobacco. Currently the Rwanda Biomedical Center is doing its best so as to convince them to this deadly smoking habits.
Madam Marie Aime Muhimpundu who is in charge of non contagious diseases said that the government is setting tobacco control policies in health systems.
She also stressed that Rwandan people must avoid myth related stories that smoking proves one to be mature enough to get married.
The Rwandan culture stipulates that during the dowry ceremony tobacco is to be presented as a sign of of maturity.
Many African countries as well as Rwanda are signatories of international agreements on tobacco control.
However as the people keep smoking. The RBC is committed to reduce the number of tobacco smokers using all means possible.
As tobacco kills over 6 million people worldwide including second hand victims, everyone must prevent tobacco smoking due to its harmful long term negative consequences through reducing people’s lives from 20 to 25 years of life expectancy.
Alain Joseph MBARUSHIMANA
UM– USEKE.RW
