THE Clerical & Commercial Workers’ Union (CCWU) joins with the Ministry of Heath in the observance of World No Tobacco Day. Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of deaths worldwide. This year, globally, more than five million people will die from heart attacks, stroke, cancer, lung disease, or other illnesses related to tobacco use.
An additional 600,000 people – more than a quarter of them children – will die from exposure to second-hand smoke. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that by 2030, tobacco use will kill 8 million people each year. The global epidemic of tobacco use has killed 100 million people during the 20th century and could kill an estimated 1 billion people during the 21st century.
The treaty recognises the importance of international cooperation and of helping low – and middle – countries like Guyana to meet their treaty obligations.
The Clerical & Commercial Workers’ Union campaign will focus on the following key message: that Guyana must fully implement the treaty to protect present and future generations from the devastating health, social, environmental and economic consequences of tobacco consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke.
Our key messages will include:
* The treaty embodies the desire and commitment of scores of Guyana government and people to have a tobacco – free world.
* Trade Unions should encourage and help the government to fulfil those obligations.
* The treaty should be duly appreciated by institutions and individuals alike as a landmark in the history of public health and the world’s foremost tobacco control instrument.
* To help Guyana meet their obligations under the treaty and its related guidelines.