The World No-tobacco Day was marked Saturday here with the organizers urging to implement the existing law of the island country.
Director General of the Madagascan Tobacco Office Dr. Jacques Mampianinarison encouraged the youth to keep themselves away from smoking, which is the theme of the day worldwide.
He told a gathering that the implementation of the non-smoking law, issued in 2003, would be strengthened.
The law, which set the rules on industrialization, import, marketing and consumption of tobacco product in Madagascar, prohibits the sale of tobacco to minors under 18.
Advertising and sponsorship of tobacco are not allowed in the country and manufacturers must affix the words "Dangerous for my health and that of others" on 50 percent of each package of cigarettes, according to the law.
To protect non-smokers, the law prohibits smoking in public places including public transport areas, workplace and airports.
Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) to Madagascar Dr. Leonard Tapsoba offered a trophy to Mr. Ramasitera Ralph, Director General of Madagascar Airport, for his awareness campaign at all airports of the country.
Ten brands of cigarettes and 5 brands of tobaccos were produced in Madagascar and 16 percent of Madagascan households consumed tobacco in 2007.
However, statistics showed that consumption of tobacco and cigars went down by 1 percent in 2007 compared to that a year earlier in Madagascar.
Source: Xinhua
|
Comment
Tell A Friend
Print Format
Save Article