While delivering a statement this morning at an orientation session for journalists, Mr Samboujang Conteh, the Executive Director of RAID, The Gambia lamented the slow pace of tobacco control act implementation in the Gambia.
The objective of the orientation is to build the capacity of journalists to effectively contribute to the advocacy for the implementation of the Tabacco Control Laws in the Gambia.
“Despite the ratification of the FCTC by most African countries and the legislation of the Tabacco Control Laws, the pace of implementation has been quite slow due to several factors, such as ;
weak government commitment, limited awareness of the population ( particularly youths) on the dangers of tobacco use., weak capacity of stakeholders for policy design and implementation, and poor sustainability of the tobacco control effects in which the Gambia is not an exception. “
He pointed out that the objective of RAID, The Gamba, among other things is to raise awareness on the effects of tobacco and illicit drugs and substance abuse on society especially on youths, and to pursue strategies that control the menace.
“As part of the efforts to advance tobacco control in the Gambia, the comprehensive tobacco control act,2016 was enacted and seeks to control the demand and supply of tobacco and tobacco control products. “
Mr. Conteh acknowledged the efforts of the media in their Tabacco Control efforts in the Gambia while expressing hope that the partnership will continue to further inform the population about the health effects of Tobacco and authorities to enforce the Tabacco Control Act,2016.
He spoke at length on the gigantic moves taken by RAID, the Gambia in discouraging the use of tobacco and tobacco products in the Gambia.
