WHO commends Fiji for tobacco control efforts

Fiji has been recognized and commended by the World Health Organization in the Pacific island country's efforts to combat the consumption of tobacco products.

Fiji's Ministry of Health and Medical Services was on Thursday awarded "World No Tobacco Day" award by the WHO for raising awareness and advocacy in the control of illicit trade of tobacco products, which includes the production, import, export, purchase, sale, or possession of tobacco goods which fail to comply with legislations.

Fiji is the only Pacific Island nation that has signed the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade of Tobacco Products, according to the country's Department of Information.

Every year, the WHO recognizes individuals or organizations in each of the six WHO regions for their accomplishments in the area of tobacco control through the WHO Director-General Special Recognition Awards and the World No Tobacco Day Awards.

Jone Usamate, Fiji's health minister said his country has designated smoke-free public places such as workplaces, markets and retail shops in order to protect the public at large from second-hand smoke.

"Fiji has expanded education and awareness programs about the dangers of tobacco use and second-hand smoke in schools with the support of the Ministry of Education's National Substance Abuse Advisory Council," said Usamate, commending the Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority on increasing taxes on tobacco products each year.

"My ministry has begun plans for establishing cessation services with 100 nursing staff across Fiji that are trained to deliver brief tobacco cessation interventions. We will continue to build capacity to provide social support needed to help smokers quit," he said, adding that tobacco control requires a multi- sectorial approach with community involvement and support.

In Fiji, people caught smoking in prohibited areas will be fined 200 Fiji dollars (95.8 U.S. dollars). Business houses that sell single rolls will be fined 1,000 Fiji dollars (479.2 U.S. dollars) if caught.