By: Audrey John
Quality and Control Officer, World Health Organization (WHO) Reynold Senesi, has on Friday 19th August 2022 revealed that a round of “sesha” is equivalent to 200 sticks of cigarette.
Dr. Senesi was speaking to journalist at the Country Lodge Hotel, at Hill Station in Freetown following the enactment of the Tobacco and Drug Act by the House of Parliament.
He spoke highly against tobacco intake, noting that it destroys the country’s human resources.
“As a country, it is important that we protect our greatest human resource (people). He emphasized the need for investment in people, especially those that are young. He noted that government invests a lot on health and education, but fail to invest in its greatest human resource (people)”.
He urged government to levy huge tax on importers of tobacco.
“Because it is cheap, everybody can afford it,” he opined.
He further urged government to tighten the borders, noting that most of the tobacco products are smuggled into the country.
He further stressed the need for awareness raising among the populace with regards the new law as well as the health implications it has on human being.
Chief Executive Officer, Focus 1,000, Alhaji Mohamed Bailor Jalloh described the passing of the law as a remarkable achievement for the country, adding that it is remarkable because stakeholders have come together to protect the lives of its citizens.
Jalloh described the act as one of the best in the sub-region, adding that he was pleased that the House of Parliament enacted it.
He stressed the need for implementation of the law and creates public awareness.
He spoke highly against cigarette smoking and its effect on pregnancy. Jalloh emphasized the need to protect the lives of children, for according to him that was why he established Focus 1,000.
“Our focus is on the first 1,000 days of life from pregnancy (270 days) to 2 years (730 days),” he disclosed.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Alie Wurie told journalists that the country is losing the most productive sector (young people) as a result of huge tobacco intake.
“Tobacco affects all parts of the human body, including the brain, live, kidney, among others,” he mentioned.
“Enacting a law that criminalizes smokers is not the end, but a time to say that, as a nation, we have done some parts,” Dr. Wurie added.
In terms of the legal implications on smokers, Dr. Wurie revealed that smoking is now prohibited in all public places. “Employees can now sue employers who smoke in the office, those who smoke in public transportation can be arrested by the police and charged to court, those who will send little children to buy cigarette can also be prosecuted, among many others,” he disclosed.
Honorable Aiah Kassegbama, revealed that Sierra Leone is the newest and among the 38 countries that have brought this law into an act. Honorable Kassegbama remarked that the enactment of the law is a work well done. “Passing it is one thing, but letting the people be aware of the law is another thing,” he added.
He further remarked that several laws have been enacted in the country, but noted that implementation has always been the challenge. He recommended to the Ministry of Health and Sanitation to embark on community engagement in order to create the necessary awareness of the law.
