Over five million people die annually due to Tobacco intake, says WHO

A World Health Organisation (WHO) report indicates that over five million people die worldwide as a result of tobacco intake annually as many are affected by lung cancer, heart diseases including heart attacks, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, erectile dysfunction, birth defects and other ailments.


The report also revealed that about one billion people worldwide practice tobacco smoking with reasons given as recreational and fulfillment of some religious rituals, among several others.

The President of the Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria (AGPMPN), Dr. Frank Omo-Ehijele Odafen, who spoke on the 2016 theme: 'Smoking Cessation', told journalists in Abuja, that many passive smokers such as children, are affected by the behaviour of others especially where there are no laws protecting nonsmokers.

He stated that smoking "killed approximately half of long term smokers when compared to age mortality rates faced by non-smokers." The association called on the Federal Government to put some wholesome laws in place which is expected to protect non-smokers.

He urged "government to legislate that every family should have a family doctor as according to him, a family doctor is not only a healthcare provider but a decision maker, communicator, community leader, team member and an advocate for the patients in health, sickness, death and even post mortis.

Also, President of the Society of Family Physicians of Nigeria (SOFPON), Col Dr, Akin Moses, stated that "smoking cessation is an important behavioral change that can have considerable effect on health outcomes.

SOFPON President further stated that the World Family Doctors Day will be marked with visitation to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps, orphanage homes and giving lectures across the city.