by Eze Eluchie
Why does a packet of cigarette in countries across sub-Saharan Africa cost less than one-fifth of
what the same pack of lethal product cost in Britain or the USA?
Why is it that Multinational Tobacco Conglomerates based in
the United States and Europe are compelled to devote billions of dollars,
annually, towards public health campaigns, tobacco product preventive education
campaigns and other activities which has served to reduce the smoking
prevalence in the United States and across western Europe whilst the same
companies engage in contrary practices all across sub-Saharan Africa, resulting
in more tobacco-cancer related deaths in our climes?
Countries in sub-Saharan Africa, should in keeping with the theme of the 2014 World No Tobacco Day {WNTD} (raise tobacco tax, decrease death and disease), strive to ensure that cigarettes are effectively taxed to bring their prices to par with what similar packets of cigarettes costs elsewhere.
Countries in sub-Saharan Africa, should in keeping with the theme of the 2014 World No Tobacco Day {WNTD} (raise tobacco tax, decrease death and disease), strive to ensure that cigarettes are effectively taxed to bring their prices to par with what similar packets of cigarettes costs elsewhere.
As the world marks the
WNTD today, 31st May 2014, one cannot but empathize
with the various victims of tobacco product – particularly cigarettes, be they
the dependents/survivors of persons whose lives have been cut short by the
various after effects of cigarette consumption of those whose health have been
adversely impacted by this product.
Tobacco products, particularly cigarettes kill an estimated 5
million people annually.
This day accords us all an opportunity to reflect on the unorthodox
practices of the Multinational Tobacco Conglomerates (MTC) and how these
companies have been able to abuse the instrumentality of international trade
and cooperation protocols and agreements, particularly World Trade Organization rules, to ensure that their lethal product continues
to be available to populations in Low and Middle Income Countries at very
subsidized prices, far below what these products sell for in the home countries
of the MTC.
All are urged to expand the intendments and benefits of today, beyond a mere World No Tobacco Day to a World No Tobacco Week. As you refrain from lighting up that lethal stick, also ensure that no one lights up anywhere around you.
Picture:Lethal product - cigarettes
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