Action plan aims to reduce smoking-related illness

The Department of Health has launched a new initiative aimed at reducing the numbers of deaths in Northern Ireland from smoking-related illness.

The Tobacco Action Plan was launched on Tuesday by Dr Henrietta Campbell, Chief Medical Officer of the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety.

Pointing out that smoking is the single greatest cause of preventable illness and premature death, Dr Campbell said: “We estimate that smoking-related illness costs the Health and Social Services here over £22m each year. Behind these statistics lie a great deal of human suffering and misery. There is therefore an imperative to tackle smoking and its impact on our health.

“This five year Plan is the first phase of a long-term strategy to create a tobacco-free society. It is a comprehensive and co-ordinated approach to tackling the smoking problem in the years ahead.”

It has been estimated that smoking-related illness accounts for around 3,000 premature deaths in the province each year. Statistics from the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry, which monitors the level of cancer and survival rates In Northern Ireland, show a decline in lung cancer deaths among men, but a steady increase in smoking levels among women, leading to correspondingly higher rates of lung cancer.

Dr Campbell added: “Most people today are well aware that smoking is bad for their health, yet the addictive nature of nicotine makes it very difficult for many to give up without expert help. This is one of the reasons why I am encouraged by the number of smokers contacting services. The series of actions identified in the Plan will focus on support for the 70% of smokers who say they wish to quit as well as focusing on prevention initiatives and on protecting non-smokers from tobacco smoke.”