Frequent Asked Questions
PREVENTION- In line with Botswana’s Vision 2016 to “eradicate absolute poverty” significant improvements are being made in the fight against poverty, according to a number of indicators (prevalence of underweight children; access to safe water; access to adequate sanitation). ATN and partners acknowledge tobacco use as the number one preventable cause of death in many parts of the world. It is therefore imperative that Government, civil society and the private sector continue efforts to educate people not to start.
TOBACCO CESSATION- To improve public health, one of the important steps to take is to quit tobacco. However this is not an easy task. Tobacco products are addictive because they contain nicotine. ATN and partners recognize the importance of offering and informing the public about services for tobacco users who want to quit. Training that will equip health professionals with adequate skills to advise and encourage their clients to quit tobacco and reduce exposure to secondhand smoke required.
TOBACCO INDUSTRY- Through targeted websites and other technology-driven methods, the tobacco industry is moving into nwe channels to market its products to younger and newer audiences. Marketing in the digital space offers tobacco companies a way to take advantage of a loophole in the rules that limit tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship.ATN and partners recognize that countering the enormous marketing strategies of big tobacco companies requires working with partners to make sure people understand the substantial health risks associated with tobacco products.
HEALTH EQUITY- Studies from the developed nations have shown that rural populations are heavily impacted upon by tobacco consumption due to socio-economic factors, cultural and lack of access or utilization of health care facilities among other factors .Botswana’s vision is to have an informed society and as a result strategies have been put in place to increase literacy rate (aided by an increase in education) an improving access to information – via print and electronic media – through increased private sector presence, and improved access to telephones. However there is a general lack of Setswana and other language newspapers and community radio stations that may limit information flow, particularly in rural areas . This may serve as a hindrance to people in rural areas making an informed choice on tobacco and its impacts on heath and the economy.
GOAL AREA 1- Prevent initiation of tobacco use among youth and young adults. STRATEGY 1-Develop strategies to reduce youth access to tobacco products by 2019. STRATEGY 2- Develop strategies to reduce demand for tobacco among youth and young adults from 14% to 5% by 2019. STRATEGY 3- Reduce tobacco industry influence on youth and young adults – decrease the percentage of never-smoking high school students who are susceptible to smoking from (14% ) to 5% by 2019. STRATEGY 4- Assist schools, community and organizations to implement evidence-based programming and policies that promote zero tolerance sales of tobacco products in schools by 2019.
GOAL AREA 2- Promote tobacco use cessation among adults and youth in 70% of the smoking population by 2019. STRATEGY 1- Lobby Government to develop comprehensive tobacco-cessation programs for adults and youth by 2019. STRATEGY 2- Train health care providers who routinely advise patients about smoking cessation services and provide follow-up by 2019. STRATEGY 3- Promote comprehensive smoking/tobacco cessation medical coverage for all citizens by 2019.
GOAL AREA 3- Eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke in all enclosed public places by 2019. STRATEGY 1- Lobby Government to strengthen legislation and policies that protect citizens from exposure to secondhand and third-hand smoke – ensure that at least 50% of worksites have a written policy prohibiting smoking at the workplace by 2019. STRATEGY 2- Enforce existing provisions of the Control of Smoking Act in public places by increasing the percent of those who demonstrate complete compliance with those rules by 50% from the current baseline (to be established) by 2019.
GOAL AREA 4- Identify and eliminate tobacco related disparities. STRATEGY 1- Advocate and facilitate the incorporation of efforts to achieve health equity in all areas of a comprehensive tobacco control program: Decrease the percent disparity between ethnic, varied education, and other groups by at least 20% by 2019.
GOAL AREA 5- Develop the capacity of ATN to have a more effective, responsive and accountable governance by 2019. STRATEGY 1- Enhance capacity of ATN Secretariat to collaborate with each other and engage in participatory governance. STRATEGY 2- Enhance ATN’s position as a leading model NGO in tobacco control matters nationwide through maximizing collaboration and capacity building.
GOAL AREA 6- Enhance ATN’s role as a nationally recognized leader in tobacco control advocacy by 2019. STRATEGY 1- Increase the use of real-time data to make improvements in programming by holding a minimum of three coalition-based discussions between 2014 and 2019 to modify and inform approaches, as well as assess progress. STRATEGY 2- Increase public availability of programs and field information through the establishment and maintenance of a website and resource tool updates on a real-time basis.
The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) is the world’s first modern-day global public health treaty which was developed in response to the globilization of the tobacco industry and tobacco use and ensuing harms.
Botswana signed and ratified the FCTC on the 16th June 2003 and 31st October 2005 respectively.
Acceptance or confirmation of an act or agreement that was signed (executed) by the confirming party itself. E.g. A treaty is not enforceable or valid until the ratification process is complete.
Raising tobacco tax means increasing charges of selling tobacco products which results in increase in the retail price of tobacco products.
Raising tobacco tax is an important component of a comprehensive tobacco control strategy, especially among high-risk sub-population such as children, the poor and pregnant women.
The government of Botswana has recently introduced a 30% tobacco levy which was effected on the 14th February 2014.
Second-hand smoke is the smoke that individuals breathe when they are located in the same air space as smokers.
The smoke from tobacco products contains over 4000 chemicals in the form of particles and gases ,and, more than 40 of them cause cancer in humans.
Partially. Although good ventilation can help reduce irritability of smoke, it does not eliminate its poisonous components.
No. Most employers who go smoke-free save money by increasing productivity, lowering maintenance and cleaning costs and lowering insurance coverage.
Children who are exposed to second-hand smoke will experience conditions such as: – More frequent colds – Middle ear infections and “glue ear”, which is the most common cause of deafness in children – High risk of pneumonia and bronchitis – Weaker lungs – Worsened asthma.
Men and Women: – Can cause cancer – Can make it easier to have lung diseases, heart attack or stroke.
Women have special risks when exposed to tobacco smoke, the baby may: – Be born underweight – Die before being born – Suffer respiratory problems – Have learning problems later on.
Women have special risks when exposed to tobacco smoke, the baby may: – Be born underweight – Die before being born – Suffer respiratory problems – Have learning problems later on.
– Know the reasons why you want to quit – Understand nicotine – Understand withdrawal symptoms – Know why you smoke – Understand the triggers – Know how can you manage these triggers.
Make a personal commitment to yourself. Be aware of your triggers so you can understand why you get the urge to smoke.
This is a behavioral support based program for ‘buddying’ or pairing up with someone who is either quitting at the same time as you, or an ex-smoker who has had the personal experience or anyone with the experience to coach you and support you. If you smoke, chew or sniff tobacco this programme will be for you.
