5 Oct 2017

New anti-smoking campaign underway in Tonga

3:57 pm on 5 October 2017

Tonga's Ministry of Health has launched a campaign focussing on the dangers of tobacco use.

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Photo: RNZ

Tongans are among the heaviest users of tobacco in the world.

According to a World Health Organisation survey, 46 percent of men and 13 per cent of women in Tonga smoke.

The campaign, called the 'Tuku Ifi Leva' or 'Quit Smoking Now' will run for six weeks across all media in Tonga.

It graphically shows the risks of tobacco use, including the effects of throat cancer.

The campaign aims to address not only the health risks for smokers, but the impact of secondhand smoke.

The survey showed over a third of Tongans saying they are regularly exposed to secondhand smoke.