80% of Fiji’s people lose their lives due to Non-Communicable Diseases and smoking is one of the major contributors.
This was highlighted by the Ministry of Health’s Acting Permanent Secretary Dr Meciusela Tuicakau during the launch of the 2015 World No Tobacco Day at Cuvu village in Sigatoka today.
Tuicakau said that sales and trades of single rolls illegally, especially by youths, is the main problem in our communities.
He said that the Ministry is working with police, the customs authority, Ministry of Finance and Foreign Affairs for development of recommendations and assessments to stop illegal trade.
He also stressed that implementing proper registration and licensing is also a solid method to control illicit trade.
Tuicakau said that communities should also come together to end the illicit trade of tobacco products to see that their children and younger ones are not exposed to second hand or direct smoking.
Meanwhile, Cuvu was declared a Tobacco Free Village today.
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