Health ministry intensifies awareness of tobacco consumption
DOHA: The Ministry of Public Health has announced intensified awareness-raising campaigns on the dangers of tobacco consumption, coinciding with World No Tobacco Day, which this year aims to raise awareness of the deceptive methods used by the tobacco industry to make nicotine and tobacco products attractive.
Dr Salah Al Yafei, Director of the Health Promotion Department at the Ministry of Public Health, said that all forms of tobacco use are harmful, and that manipulating the appearance of tobacco and nicotine products by adding flavors and other agents that alter their smell, taste, or appearance is no less harmful than traditional tobacco or cigarettes and poses serious health risks.
He added that the Ministry of Public Health aims, through its awareness-raising efforts, to protect members of society, especially young people, from the dangers of tobacco and its derivatives.
He pointed out that the Ministry has taken several important and influential measures to combat tobacco use, most notably the implementation of Law No. 10 of 2016 on the Control of Tobacco and Its Derivatives and raising awareness of the harmful effects of tobacco products.
He explained that smoking cessation clinics are available at Hamad Medical Corporation and Primary Health Care Corporation to provide appropriate treatment for smokers and encourage tobacco users to quit.
For its part, Hamad Medical Corporation affirmed its commitment to supporting the health and safety of community members by providing smoking cessation services in an effective and accessible manner.
It called on all tobacco users to take the first step towards a smoke-free life.
Dr Ahmed Al Mulla, Director of the Tobacco Control Center at Hamad Medical Corporation, a World Health Organization-accredited center, said that World No Tobacco Day is an important opportunity to highlight the dangers of tobacco use and the importance of providing support to users to quit.
He added that tobacco use remains a prominent public health challenge in Qatar. Although tobacco use prevalence rates have declined, continued efforts to combat smoking remain essential. He pointed out that statistics show that approximately 25% of adults in Qatar use tobacco products, highlighting the need for effective and accessible smoking cessation services.
He emphasized that the risks of tobacco use are not limited to traditional cigarettes, but include other types of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, vaping devices, heated tobacco products, nicotine pouches, smokeless tobacco (chewable tobacco products or tobacco powder), and hookah.
Hamad Medical Corporation's smoking cessation clinics play a vital role in assisting individuals who wish to quit smoking. They offer a comprehensive range of services, including individual counseling that provides specialized support from smoking cessation specialists tailored to each individual's individual needs.
The clinics also provide medical assessments to evaluate health conditions and the effects of tobacco use, nicotine replacement therapy by providing products such as patches and others to help alleviate withdrawal symptoms, and drug therapy by prescribing non-nicotine medications when needed to support the smoking cessation process.
In addition to providing ongoing support and follow-up, and providing health education resources, we continue to encourage the person trying to quit smoking and help them maintain a tobacco-free lifestyle.
Individuals wishing to quit tobacco use can contact Hamad Medical Corporation's smoking cessation clinics by calling the 'Nasma'ak' service on 16060.
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