More than 1,200 deaths due to tobacco use and exposure to second-hand smoke every year

15 people lose their life every minute we speak because of tobacco, and this makes tobacco one of the biggest public health threats in the world, particularly in Fiji.

Those are the words of President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere while launching the World No Tobacco Day Celebration at the Suva Civic Centre today.

The President says Fiji records more than 1,200 deaths due to tobacco use and exposure to second-hand smoke every year.

Millions of dollars are also used to look after people who get diseases due to excessive smoking.

Tobacco is solely responsible for 8 million deaths in the world and from this, 1.2 million deaths are non-smokers.

The President of Fiji says that health care costs impose a considerable burden on the health system.

He adds that its greater results in the loss of productivity due to sickness and premature death impose a threat to the economic growth worldwide and in Fiji.