WESTERN Visayas’ smoking rates exceed national figures, with 20.2% of the adult population identified as tobacco users, recent figures released by the Department of Health (DOH) showed. Smoking remains a persistent concern because it is a public health matter, and it demands immediate and sustained action.
The implications of such high smoking rates are ominous, not only for individual health but also for the community at large. Smoking introduces over 7,000 chemicals into the body, many of which are carcinogens capable of altering DNA and causing cancers across various body parts.
The burden of tobacco use is evident in the prevalence of top diseases driving medical consultations in the region, including respiratory infections, hypertension, and exacerbated cases of tuberculosis — all predominantly linked to tobacco use. Too, smokers face significantly higher risks of heart attacks and strokes, particularly if they already suffer from hypertension.
The economic and social consequences are equally severe. Healthcare costs escalate as the need to manage chronic diseases and acute medical episodes related to smoking increases. Families suffer when breadwinners fall ill or die prematurely due to tobacco-related illnesses. The community loses productivity and faces increased healthcare expenditures, straining local economies and reducing overall quality of life.
What can be done?
Right off the bat, strengthen educational campaigns. Awareness about the dangers of smoking and the benefits of quitting needs to be amplified, especially among the youth who are targeted by tobacco companies as “replacement smokers.” The upcoming World No Tobacco Day with its theme focusing on “Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference” is an opportune moment to intensify these efforts.
Also, enhancing legislative measures can make a significant difference. While 72% of local government units in Western Visayas have enacted anti-smoking ordinances, these need to be more comprehensive and rigorously enforced. The inclusion of electronic cigarettes in these regulations is vital, given that they remain unregulated and pose significant health risks.
Yes, accessible and effective cessation programs are a must. DOH has established 18 smoking cessation centers across the region. These centers, offering free consultations and support, are critical in helping individuals quit smoking. However, the reach and resources of these centers need to be expanded to accommodate more individuals seeking help.
Local governments, educators, and healthcare providers must collaborate to create environments that discourage smoking. Public spaces should be kept smoke-free, and more stringent measures should be implemented to prevent the sale of tobacco products to minors.
The fight against smoking is about saving lives and improving the quality of life. In all these, community involvement is vital.
