Tobacco Killer Number One in the World -WHO

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