Smoking Risks: So That The Truth Be Told – Clearly

“Like this year’s World No Tobacco Day theme says, the tobacco industry keeps masking the ects of smoking in order to recruit more smokers – especially young people – through new marketing strategies, use of aroma in cigarettes to conceal nicotine, attractive packing and deceptive messages… 

Beware Of Nicotine!
“This is not true! The so-called alternatives to conventional cigarettes are also as dangerous because they contain nicotine. It was therefore important for journalists to receive such training to better sensitise the public,” said Prince Mpondo, head of the Cameroon chapter of « Reseau des medias africains pour la promotion de la sante et de l’environnement, » REMAPSEN. He spoke in Yaounde on Friday, May 30, 2025 during an open door day organized in the Yaounde Central Hospital’s Life Centre. As part of activities to mark this year’s World No Tobacco Day on May 31, 2025. 

Over 66,000 Deaths In Cameroon
According to Prince Mpondo, REMAPSEN took advantage of the event to build the capacity of journalists on smoking. “The subject is topical because smoking kills about 8 million people in the world each year. And in Cameroon, more than 66,000 people die every year of smoking-related causes. On the other hand, the effects of passive smoking are on the rise.” Mpondo warned. 

Open Door Day 
The Life Centre of the Yaounde Central Hospital organised the open door day in conjunction with the « Reseau des medias africains pour la promotion de la sante et de l’environnement.» It comprised interactive workshops, lectures and projections of documentaries and an awareness session with journalists. The theme of the 2025 World No Tobacco Day is “Tobacco and nicotine products: Unmasking the tobacco industry’s deceptive tactics.” The Life Centre comprises disintoxication and care of victims of drug addiction sections. It was the first of such centre to be created in Cameroon. Two other centres have since been created in the country.

Spread The Message 
“The Open Door Day enabled us to share information on the risks of smoking, especially journalists, and to direct people to smoking prevention specialists. It was an opportunity to sensitise on the risks of cigarette smoking, unmask the myths about smoking and present alternatives for healthy living,” said Dr Marileine Kemme, an expert in addiction, risk reduction and the harmful use of drugs. She is also Head of the Centre for Treatment and Prevention of Smoking Addiction, Yaounde Central Hospital.

Youth As Main Target
“This inclusive approach involved young people who are the main target of the tobacco industry. We used the opportunity to sensitise families, teachers and decision-makers on the need for a coordinated community response to smoking risks and promote partnerships between public institutions, companies and the civil society,” Dr Kemme continued. 

Greater Awareness
“The media is great purveyor of news and social change. It spreads health information on a wide scale and deconstructs false beliefs created by cigarette advertisements and the banalization of smoking. By sharing the testimonies of those who stopped smoking and the counsel of health experts. Journalists can also help to mobilise the public and decision-makers on the need for stricter legislative control of smoking, for example, forbidding the sale of cigarettes to minors, banning cigarette advertising… In Cameroon, community radio stations, influencers and bloggers can play a great role because of their closeness to the people,” the medic went on.
“We were supported in the celebration this year by sponsors and the « Reseau des medias africains pour la promotion de la sante et de l’environnement, » REMAPSEN. This collaboration will further spread the message against smoking for more people to be reached as well as increase visibility for World No Tobacco Day,” Dr Marileine Kemme noted.       

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