Sierra Leone Intensifies Campaign on Tobacco Control
As part of the commemoration of World No Tobacco Day 2011, there has been increased momentum in the campaign for tobacco control in Sierra Leone. The theme for this year's campaign is "The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control". The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) treaty aims to protect present and future generations from the devastating health, social, environmental and economic consequences of tobacco consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke.
A Press Conference was held at WHO on 30 May 2011 to raise awareness on the theme of World No Tobacco Day. Speaking at the Press Conference, Dr Wondimagegnehu Alemu said that "the fight against tobacco is a long walk but achievable"; adding that efforts should not stop at commemoration of the day but should be a continuous engagement to prevent deaths from tobacco.