Health Group praises government for “prioritizing health over profit” by banning tobacco – citizens

Numerous opposition to smoking and its health risks, after Minister for Co-operatives and Traditional Affairs Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma announced on Wednesday night that the government would continue to ban tobacco products as South Africa moves to a Level 4 blockade. The group welcomed the move.

The National Council on Smoking (NCAS), the South African Medical Research Council (Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Units), the South African Cancer Society (CANSA), and the Heart and Stroke Foundation South AfricaProtect the nextEncourage smokers to quit and raise awareness and support for South African tobacco control and electronic delivery system legislation.

In a statement from this group, Professor Pamelanaidu of the Heart and Stroke Foundation said: “I commend the South African government’s primary concern for public health in its response to Covid-19.

“Health replaces commercial interests. Individual rights are important, but when faced with a crisis of this magnitude that poses a risk to society, the collective right to health must be prioritized.

“Smokers are encouraged to use this time to quit smoking, improve their health, and reduce their chances of becoming seriously ill if they become infected with COVID-19.”

Public health policy and development consultant Zanele Mthembu said the tobacco ban gained the support of many citizens during the Covid-19 outbreak because of serious health problems.

“Our concern is the proven effects of tobacco products on respiratory and cardiovascular health. A new study shows that smoking can exacerbate the effects of Covid-19. Highlighted by WHO The risk of self-pollution from smoking itself and the increased risk of family exposure to secondhand smoke. “

But, like lockdowns, the ban on tobacco sales, like lockdowns, is a temporary measure, and more should be done to strengthen domestic tobacco law as a long-term public health measure. I am.

“We must protect society from the harm of tobacco by strengthening overall tobacco control measures and legislation that have proven to have positive health effects around the world. Must pass the tobacco control and electronic delivery system legislation, which allows South Africans to opt for smoking cessation, regulate e-cigarettes, and reduce the impact of second-hand smoke on the majority of people. Yes, I am a non-smoker. “

Covid-19 and smoking

NCAS Savera Kalideen said:

“Now that the threat of coronavirus pandemics is looming, it’s time to take care of your lungs by not smoking, smoking shishas, ​​or using e-cigarettes. And especially rock. As more people spend more time at home during down, children and nonsmokers need to be protected from harmful secondhand smoke, which can make them more susceptible to respiratory illness. ”

Dr Catherine Egbe, a specialist scientist (tobacco control) in the Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit in South Africa’s Medical Research Council, said scientists show disease progression and complications when smokers become infected with the virus. He says he has discovered that there is a high probability.

“Tobacco causes respiratory and cardiovascular disease, and the fact that Covid-19 is a respiratory disease still remains. Therefore, the best way to stay healthy at this point in the Covid-19 Pandemic is If you are infected with, do not approach anything or a product that could compromise your ability to fight the disease.We have heard from people who spoke in support of the ban on tobacco sales, and we We are pleased to see more South Africans realize that if they quit smoking, they are more likely to break Covid-19. ”

They said new data from China are emerging, showing a link between smoking and increased vulnerability to Covid-19. The European Respiratory Journal states that smoking may increase the risk of Covid-19 by increasing the ACE-2 enzyme and allowing the coronavirus to access and replicate lung cells.

Reviews from Tobacco-induced diseases It has been shown that Chinese patients who require ICU support, ventilator, or died have a higher prevalence of current and previous smokers, and a higher proportion of smokers in severe cases.

Compared to non-smokers, smokers are approximately 2.4 times more likely to enter the ICU and require mechanical ventilation or die.

Smoking basically also affects the immune system, making it difficult to fight infections. Existing evidence on smoking suggests that smokers with weak lungs and compromised immune systems will be more affected by Covid-19 if they are infected like flu or tuberculosis.

Secondhand smoke (SHS) is also known to cause harm.

Professor Pamela Naidoo, CEO of Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa, emphasized that a recent study in Western Cape found nicotine in the neonatal and nonsmoker system. Nydu said exposure to SHS damaged lungs, reduced the immune system, and increased susceptibility to chest and respiratory infections.

“Protect the lungs of people around you, especially children and the elderly, so they are not exposed to second-hand smoke.”

Lorraine Govender of CANSA said: “Show a support for immunocompromised patients, including cancer patients, by ensuring a tobacco-free environment. Responsible for your health and being nicotine-free will impact Covid-19 Show your solidarity to a health care professional who is enthusiastic about treating patients who receive it. “

Mthembu concludes: “We need to support government decisions taken to best protect the health of all people in South Africa during this difficult time. Stay home, say no to cigarettes, and keep South Africa safe. Let’s keep the next. “

(Edited by Charles Chillier)

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