Mauritius: Tobacco ''Kills 1000 Mauritians Yearly''

Source from:  Afriquenligne (fr)  05/16/2013

Despite the decline in cigarette consumption per capita from 1,075 in 2009 to 750 in 2012, tobacco still kills 1,000 Mauritians every year, according to Mauritian Health Minister Lormus Bundhoo.

Speaking Wednesday at a workshop in Port-Louis, the minister announced a new action plan against tobacco consumption that include measures aimed at sensitizing the population about tobacco hazards and ensuring better control over the advertisement for the product.

Mr. Bundhoo, who is apparently bent on combating tobacco use, said the first plan of action put in place in 2008 was a success and even served as a model in Africa.

However, he lamented that the efforts have failed to discourage smoking among Mauritians.

According to a 2009 study, 40 percent of men and 3.7 percent of women are regular smokers on the island. Enditem