Tobacco consumption is the single most preventable cause of death and disability in the world.
In 2008 tobacco killed more than 5 million people world wide – by 2030 the death toll will exceed 8 million a year, unless comprehensive tobacco control is fully implemented. Tobacco kills more than tuberculosis, Aids/HIV and malaria combined. Tobacco use harms every organ of the body and kills up to half of its consumers (Mortality attributable to tobacco, WHO 2011).
Furthermore, 600.000 non-smokers die from exposure to tobacco smoke in the world each year. There is no safe level of exposure to second hand smoke. Second hand smoke exposure contributes to a range of diseases including heart disease and many cancers. Socially disadvantaged populations are the most at risk and carry the greatest burden of premature death and disease. The consequences of tobacco consumption in all its forms severely impact socio-economic development of all countries around the world (Systematic Review on Tobacco and Poverty, WHO 2011). The related health care costs are growing and the non-health care costs, such as loss of productivity, are staggering.
In their daily work, health professionals are constantly confronted with premature death and disease caused by tobacco consumption. For them every day is a new battle to reduce suffering and hardship of patients and their families who have been trapped by this deadly habit. Health care workers show leadership in combating tobacco consumption and act as role models for the general population so as to convince them to stop this disastrous habit. This personal and organisational effort needs to be supported by strong legislation. National policies and guidelines are needed to strengthen a tobacco free environment particularly in health services and health care environment. Every tobacco user must have access to evidence based and affordable cessation treatment programmes.
