LAGOS BEGINS NO-SMOKING CAMPAIGN TO SAFEGUARD PUBLIC HEALTH

The Lagos State Government has launched a no-smoking campaign aimed at safeguarding public health and reducing the prevalence of smoking-related illnesses in the state. The campaign, which was flagged off by the Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, is part of the state government's efforts to promote healthy living and reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases.

According to Professor Abayomi, the no-smoking campaign is a response to the growing concern about the health risks associated with tobacco smoking. He noted that tobacco smoking is a major risk factor for many diseases, including heart disease, stroke, and various types of cancer.

The Commissioner for Health explained that the campaign will involve a range of activities, including public awareness campaigns, school outreach programs, and community engagement initiatives. He added that the state government will also be working with stakeholders, including healthcare providers, community leaders, and civil society organizations, to promote the campaign and encourage people to quit smoking.

One of the key components of the campaign is the establishment of smoking cessation clinics in public hospitals across the state. These clinics will provide counseling, medication, and other support services to help people quit smoking.

The Lagos State Government has also announced plans to enforce the provisions of the Lagos State Smoking Law, which prohibits smoking in public places, including restaurants, bars, and public transportation. The law also prohibits the sale of tobacco products to minors and requires tobacco companies to display warning labels on their products.

The no-smoking campaign has been welcomed by health experts and civil society organizations, who have praised the Lagos State Government for taking proactive steps to promote public health.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco smoking is responsible for over 7 million deaths worldwide each year. In Nigeria, tobacco smoking is estimated to kill over 20,000 people annually.

The Lagos State Government's no-smoking campaign is seen as a major step towards reducing the prevalence of smoking-related illnesses in the state and promoting healthy living among residents.

As part of the campaign, the state government will be distributing educational materials, including brochures, posters, and flyers, to raise awareness about the health risks associated with tobacco smoking.

The campaign will also involve the use of social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, to reach a wider audience and encourage people to share their experiences and tips for quitting smoking.

Overall, the Lagos State Government's no-smoking campaign is a commendable initiative that has the potential to make a significant impact on public health in the state.

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