#explore #tobacco
Tobacco use is a significant public health concern in Pakistan, where it is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and respiratory problems. Here are some key facts and figures:
1. Prevalence: According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2019, approximately 19.1% of adults (15+ years) in Pakistan use tobacco products, including cigarettes, bidis, hookah, and chewing tobacco.
2. Cigarette smoking: Cigarette smoking is the most common form of tobacco use in Pakistan, with around 12.4% of adults smoking cigarettes.
3. Bidi smoking: Bidi smoking is also prevalent, with around 4.5% of adults smoking bidis.
4. Hookah smoking: Hookah smoking is popular among youth, with around 2.5% of adults using hookah.
5. Chewing tobacco: Chewing tobacco is also widely used, with around 4.1% of adults consuming chewing tobacco.
6. Health risks: Tobacco use is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and respiratory problems in Pakistan. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco use kills around 160,000 people in Pakistan every year.
7. Economic burden: Tobacco use also imposes a significant economic burden on Pakistan, with estimated annual economic costs of around PKR 143 billion (approximately USD 950 million).
8. Government initiatives: The Government of Pakistan has implemented several initiatives to control tobacco use, including:
- Banning tobacco advertising and promotion
- Implementing graphic health warnings on tobacco packaging
- Increasing tobacco taxes
- Establishing smoke-free public places
- Launching anti-tobacco campaigns
1. Challenges: Despite these initiatives, tobacco use remains a significant challenge in Pakistan due to:
- Limited awareness about tobacco risks
- Easy availability of tobacco products
- Inadequate enforcement of tobacco control laws
- Strong tobacco industry lobbying
1. Way forward: To combat tobacco use effectively, Pakistan needs to:
- Strengthen tobacco control laws and enforcement
- Increase public awareness about tobacco risks
- Implement comprehensive tobacco cessation programs
- Enhance tobacco taxation and regulation
- Encourage alternative livelihoods for tobacco farmers and workers
By addressing these challenges and strengthening tobacco control efforts, Pakistan can reduce the prevalence of tobacco use and the resulting health and economic burdens.
30 сен 2024
