JAMAICA joins the rest of the world in celebrating World No Tobacco Day 2023 with the theme ‘Fuel your health, not tobacco use’, raising awareness about the dangers of tobacco and nicotine use.

This year’s theme focuses on the need for comprehensive legislation to protect present and future generations from the dangers of tobacco and nicotine use, and the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle free from tobacco or vaping.

According to the 2017 Jamaica Health and Lifestyle Survey, 15 per cent of Jamaicans aged 15 years and older currently use tobacco products. In addition, a significant number of Jamaican students are using tobacco and electronic cigarettes. Currently, 11.2 per cent of students (11.1 per cent of boys and 10.9 per cent of girls) smoke cigarettes, while 11.7 per cent of students (13.7 per cent of boys and 9.7 per cent of girls) use electronic cigarettes.

The impact of tobacco use is a significant public health concern in Jamaica, with 50 per cent of lifetime smokers starting by the age of 19, and 10 per cent starting as young as age 11. Tobacco is attributable to 11 per cent of all noncommunicable diseases, six per cent of all cardiovascular diseases, and 71 per cent of deaths from cancer of the trachea, bronchus, and lung in Jamaica.

To address this problem, Jamaica has implemented a series of tobacco control measures aimed at reducing tobacco and nicotine use among the population. These measures include a ban on smoking in public places, increased taxes on tobacco products, and the introduction of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging. Recent achievements in tobacco control measures in Jamaica include the process of implementing the Tobacco Control Act (2020) which was tabled in Parliament in December 2020.

As we celebrate World No Tobacco Day 2023 it is essential to highlight the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle that is free from tobacco smoke and vape clouds. We encourage all Jamaicans to take personal responsibility for their health by quitting smoking or vaping, and adopting a healthy lifestyle.

We also urge the Government to move quickly in implementing comprehensive legislation to protect people, especially youth, from the deadly effects of tobacco and nicotine. It is critical to invest in tobacco control programmes and services, raise public awareness, and enforce laws and regulations to reduce the prevalence of tobacco and nicotine use in Jamaica.

Let us work together to create a tobacco-free Jamaica where everyone can live a healthy and fulfilling life.