On the occasion of World No Tobacco Day 2021 on May 31, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has urged all smokers and tobacco consumers, whether traditional or electronic, to quit the products to protect themselves from the COVID-19 disease. The ministry stressed smokers are at an increased risk of developing serious health complications if infected with COVID-19, according to the guidelines issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The ministry underlined the importance of amplifying international efforts to boost global awareness of the harmful impact of tobacco use on health, including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mental disorders. Tobacco use further adds to the overall economic burden, including direct costs with an increase in healthcare spending as well as indirect costs demonstrated by the community's poor productivity due to early deaths and prevalence of illnesses.

The MoHAP noted that the UAE is working hand in hand with the international community to enhance awareness about the health hazards of tobacco use. Along with joining the Who is a Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), the UAE has appointed 12 government entities locally to establish a national committee for tobacco control.

"The committee is concerned with drafting tobacco control-related legislation, regulations, and systems, in accordance with a national index to reduce tobacco use to 15.7 in 2021," the ministry added.

In addition, the UAE has imposed a selective tax on tobacco and its derivatives by 50-75 percent which has resulted in an increase in the price of tobacco products and a decrease in its consumers across the country. According to National Health Survey 2017-2018, the rate of smoking among men and women reached 9.1, indicating a positive outcome of crucial national initiatives to curb tobacco use.

Furthermore, the MoHAP has launched several projects and programmes to boost awareness about the risks of smoking, thereby encouraging smokers to quit to safeguard their health and wellbeing. As part of these initiatives, the UAE has established a network of 16 smoking cessation clinics in primary health care centers. The authorities are working on expanding the network by including mobile smoking cessation clinics to ensure maximum reach of awareness efforts.

The Health Ministry also partnered with various government and private sector entities to activate the articles of the Tobacco Control Law. At the same time, the ministry has designed an integrated training program through the "Maharti System" with the aim of boosting the skills and capabilities of physicians to effectively provide smoking cessation services. It will also contribute to standardising the efforts in line with internationally approved treatment protocols and guidelines. 

WAM