National Summit on Tobacco: TOWARDS A Tobacco Free SRI LANKA

There is no scientific dispute on the killing power of tobacco. It is the leading cause of preventable death in the world. Tobacco will kill the users and those exposed to tobacco smoke. Worldwide, tobacco use causes nearly six million deaths per year and

Those dying from tobacco use die due from illnesses such as heart disease, strokes lung disorders and cancers. Chronic illnesses caused by tobacco is more widespread. Tobacco is a major contributor to sexual impotence. Loss of income and the psychological effects of illnesses are other factors that affect families of tobacco users. It is therefore a major cause for the loss of quality of life or healthy years of life lost in the world.

The steady commitment of the government and the vibrant intervention of the non-government sectors over the years has ensured that tobacco use is gradually decreasing in Sri Lanka. Therefore, it is time now to plan for the total elimination of the harm caused by tobacco in Sri Lanka.

To take this idea forward, a National Summit on Tobacco, entitled Towards a Tobacco Free Sri Lanka: Eliminating Tobacco as a Public Health Problem will take place on April 29 and 30 at the Committee Rooms B and D of the BMICH. This is organized by the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol and the World Health Organization, in partnership with many other agencies such as the Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka Medical Association and the Alcohol and Drug Information Centre.

This conference will be inaugurated by President Maithripala Sirisena at 9 am on April 29. The inauguration will also be attended by Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne, Justice Minister Wijedasa Rajapakshe and Dr (Mrs) Poonam Khetrapal Singh Regional Director of the Word Health Organization- SouthEast Asia Region and other dignitaries.

Many aspects of tobacco control including community interventions,

In many countries tobacco contributes significantly to the maintenance of the vicious cycle of poverty.The poor smoke more. The poorest among tobacco users spend a higher proportion of their income on tobacco, thereby restricting spending on other necessities such as food, education and healthcare

addressing smokeless tobacco, impact of trade agreements on tobacco control, tobacco industry interference in public health policies, trends in marketing tobacco products, using taxation as a tool to address tobacco use, promoting cessation of tobacco use, surveillance and research, multi-sectoral approaches to tobacco control, legal aspects and the role of media in tobacco control will be discussed at the different sessions of this summit. A parallel session for youth will also take place on April 29. The resource persons of this summit will consist of prominent and respected scientists, professionals and tobacco control experts both in Sri Lanka and abroad.

In many countries tobacco contributes significantly to the maintenance of the vicious cycle of poverty. The poor smoke more. The poorest among tobacco users spend a higher proportion of their income on tobacco, thereby restricting spending on other necessities such as food, education and healthcare.

Apart from its human toll, tobacco negatively affects the economy of a country. It exacerbates the effects of poverty due to loss of income, spending on tobacco and costs of illness. In many developing countries, smoking rates are highest among the poorest and they suffer

To take this idea forward, a National Summit on Tobacco, entitled Towards a Tobacco Free Sri Lanka: Eliminating Tobacco as a Public Health Problem will take place on April 29 and 30 at the Committee Rooms B and D of the BMICH. This is organized by the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol and the World Health Organization, in partnership with many other agencies such as the Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka Medical Association and the Alcohol and Drug Information Centre.

the consequences of tobacco use more than the rich. The World Bank, following extensive studies on the subject, has declared that tobacco use is a net loss to an economy, when all factors are taken into account.

Sri Lanka has been constantly addressing the issue of tobacco. It was one of the very first countries that ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which is a legally binding treaty, where countries are bound to implement evidence-based tobacco control measures.

The National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol Act of Sri Lanka has given the legal clout to implement many evidence-based tobacco-control measures in the country. This Act also established the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol, which is the apex agency given the responsibility for tobacco control in Sri Lanka. One of the more recent victories in tobacco control in Sri Lanka culminated with the Parliament passing legislation to implement a pictorial health warning covering 80% of tobacco packs.

The National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol cordially invites those interested to participate in this event.

Apart from its human toll, tobacco negatively affects the economy of a country. It exacerbates the effects of poverty due to loss of income, spending on tobacco and costs of illness