MAM expresses concern at smoking prevalence

The Medical Association of Malta has expressed concern over the prevalence of smoking in Malta and said that the 20 per cent smoking rate among young people as shown in the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and other Drugs, was particularly worrying.

MAM said it supported the World Health Organisation`s framework convention on tobacco control which calls, among others, for:

¤ the total ban of all forms of direct and indirect tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship;

¤ clear health warnings on packaging which should be changed regularly; and

¤ the recognition of the right to a smoke-free life, which should include the provision of smoke-free areas not only in restaurants and public transport but also in the work place and places of entertainment.

The MAM also pointed out that countries which have adopted advanced tobacco control policies for some time, such as France, Italy and the UK, have witnessed a decrease in the numbers of tobacco-related deaths.