The Ministry of Health’s Tobacco Control Program launched a new campaign this week to prevent youth access to tobacco. Based on findings from the 2001 and 2005 Youth Tobacco Surveys, the main source of tobacco to youth are the family members. The campaign, which will feature radio skits, newspaper advertisements and other printed materials, will attempt to raise awareness that tobacco is made up of thousands of toxic chemicals, known to cause cancer and other diseases. The campaign’s message is "Giving a child cigarettes is like giving a child poison".
"Just think about it…", remarked Valerie Whipps, Program Manager for the Tobacco Control Program, ". . . why would you use a product or give your child a product that is made up of chemicals that you would NOT normally consume because of their poisonous nature. We hope that by the end of the campaign, people will agree that tobacco is poison, and like any poisonous product, should be avoided."
For more information or assistance in quitting tobacco use, call the Tobacco Control Program at 488-8118, E-mail stun@palaunet.com, or visit us at our office on the third floor of the Surangel Building.