By Nasratu Kargbo
The Quality Control Officer for World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) Reynold Senesie has said Sheesha an oriental tobacco pipe with a long tube connected to a container where the smoke is cooled as it passes through water is detrimental to the health of humans.
Delivering a statement during an engagement with Journalists and Members of Parliament held by Focus 1000 to discuss the hazards of tobacco on the 19th of August 2022, Senesie explained that studies and statistics have indicated that one round of sheesha is equivalent to between one and two hundred sticks of cigarette, which could be harmful.
He noted that because of the harmful nature of sheesha, countries like Kenya and Rwanda have banned its use, making it illegal.
He explained that sheesha is found in many places around the country, noting that young people especially girls are susceptible to its smoking.
“Tobacco kills,” said Senesie, saying that it is a risk factor for at least forty diseases.
Speaking on statistics, he explained that in Sierra Leone over three thousand three hundred people die annually as a result of tobacco related diseases. Senesi added that when it comes to global figures, data shows that eight million people die yearly and that over one million of the deaths recorded are as a result of second-hand smoking.
He noted that most tobacco-related diseases attack an individual when they are young and productive, and die from this deadly substance.
He explained that tobacco issues are taken seriously because it undermines the Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting health, reduction of maternal and mortality rate, mental illness, and the fight against poverty among others.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer Public Health, Dr. Alie H. Wurie said many are jumping on the bandwagon of smoking sheesha, citing “especially young girls”. He explained that he has observed that most girls smoke sheesha in order to feel classy but warned it is a very dangerous lifestyle that affects every part of the body.
The CEO of Focus 1000 Alhaji Mohamed Bailor Jalloh on the recently passed law banning smoking in many places said: “We should all come together to make sure that this bill is not only passed and signed, but should actually be implemented to save the lives of our women, children, and our vulnerable population in this country”
Jalloh emphasized the effects of smoking on pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and newborns, explaining that pregnant women who smoke risk having bleeding, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriages, and stillbirth.
Explaining how newborns are affected, he said the baby loses weight and also receives the nicotine and carbon monoxide from their smoking mothers in the womb. On the aspect of breastfeeding, Jalloh noted that smoking decreases the quantity of breastmilk and that nicotine and other chemicals get into the breastmilk.
He explained that the essence of their institution being named Focus 1000 is because they prioritise the first 1000 days of a human’s life. He said during this period, the bones, muscles, blood, attitude and 80% of child’s brain develop to a very large extent.
The CEO noted that the foundation stage of every human life is very important.
Member of Parliament representing Constituency, 026 Aiah David Kassegbama stated that Sierra Leone is the 38th country to pass such a law, applauding the nation for what he described as a fine law. However, the law maker noted that passing the bill into law is just a primary stage and that the awareness and implementation should be done.
The MP called for massive sensitization on the law, and for education on the advantages and disadvantages of smoking.
He narrated an incident few days back when he met some men smoking publicly, and asked them whether they were aware that such an act is considered unlawful but noted from the responses they gave, they were clueless.
In a document titled: “Tobacco USDE and Health Implications” by Dr. Santigie Sesay, it is stated that “Tobacco is the only legal product that maims and kills half of its users when used exactly as intended by the manufacturers”.
Sheesha is found in most entertainment centres such as bars, restaurants and hotels, and young Sierra Leoneans are becoming more attracted to it on a daily basis. However, according to experts, it has health implications.
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