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Tobacco to surpass HIV! |
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September 10, 2000
Dhaka (UNB) - Tobacco would soon become a leading death trap worldwide, causing deaths more than HIV, maternal mortality, automobile accidents, homicide and suicide combined. In addition, tobacco use imposes significant economic cost on the countries, ranging from seven percent to 12 percent of gross domestic product loss annually. This was disclosed at a press conference on Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), organised by ADHINIK, a national anti-tobacco organisation, at the National Press Club this morning. National Professor and Founding president of ADHUNIK Dr Nurul Islam and senior Vice-president of ADHUNIK and UNB Chairman Amanullah Khan, Engineer SM Fazle Rabbi and Dr Ahmad Anisur Rahman addressed the press conference. Porf Nurul Islam said the burden of tobacco-related deaths and diseases is rapidly shifting to developing countries. By 2030, about 70 percent of all deaths from tobacco will occur in developing countries, up from around 50 percent at present. He said ten million people in the world would be dying from tobacco use each year by 2030. Now around four million people in the world die from tobacco-related diseases per annum. Apart from this, he said, about 80,000 to 1,00,000 young people become addicted to tobacco each day and if current trend continues, 25 million children will die from tobacco-related diseases by next 15-20 years. The National Professor said while the consumption rate of tobacco in the West is decreasing, the corresponding increase in the developing countries has maintained the status of consumption at previous level and the industry is thriving well. However, he said, USA, UK and Japan occupy the highest position in the field of tobacco company. If the government of these countries have strong goodwill, the FCTC will give them an opportunity to work together against tobacco and for elimination of tobacco industries. The FCTC will hold an international convention in Geneva in October this year, which will provide an opportunity for formulation of guidelines for joint efforts to work against tobacco globally. UNB Chairman Amanullah Khan said the number of women addicted to tobacco is about 50 lakh in the country, while the boys aged between 15 and 16 is 23 percent. The number of male tobacco-addicts in the country has come down to 60 percent from 67 percent while it increased by 15 times in female tobacco addicts during 1980-1993, he said adding that 30 percent forest resources of the total are being destroyed due to tobacco cultivation. Amanullah Khan criticised the government for reducing duty on tobacco to 3 percent from 5 percent. He said tobacco production and its use are contrary to the policy declared by the government. Some cigarette companies are also encouraging smokers through advertisements in mass media to make windfall profit, he said putting emphasis on stopping advertisements in the electronic media and print media as well. |