Tobacco was already an epidemic, now fueling COVID-19
Tobacco was already an epidemic if we look at the preventable disease
burden and death toll since years - year after year. But the association of
tobacco as a life-threatening risk factor for a range of conditions that can
result in serious outcomes of COVID-19, including death, must become the
tipping point to hold the industry liable, ban all forms of killer tobacco
products, and strictly enforce all evidence-based health policies on the
ground.
Prof (Dr) Surya Kant, Head of Respiratory Medicine Department of King
George's Medical University (KGMU) said that according to Ministry of
Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, 86% of deaths due to
COVID-19 have exhibited comorbidity related to diabetes, chronic kidney issues,
hypertension and heart related problems. Tobacco is a common major risk factor
for all these conditions. Tobacco
spitting in public places could enhance the spread of COVID-19.
According to Indian
Council of Medical Research (ICMR), "Chewing/ smokeless tobacco products
(Gutkha, 'Paan masala' with tobacco, 'Paan' and other chewing tobacco products)
and areca nut (supari) increase the production of saliva followed by a very
strong urge to spit. ICMR has urged to refrain from consuming smokeless tobacco
products and spitting in public places. State
Government of Uttar Pradesh in India had banned the sale of 'paan masala',
in view of the alarming COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020.
The recent release of a report by the National
Institute of Health in Italy stated that more than 99% of those who have
died from COVID-19 had pre-existing medical conditions, including high blood
pressure, heart disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, and diabetes.
Tobacco is a major common risk factor for all these listed conditions, said
Prof Rama Kant, WHO Director General's Awardee and noted surgeon and tobacco
control leader.
Moment of truth is here, now!
If we are to deliver on sustainable development where no one is left behind, then we need to eliminate disaster-causing risk factors like tobacco, alcohol, etc and have to hold these corporations liable for the irreparable damage they have caused over the years. These are the roadblocks that must be removed before we can accelerate progress towards all other sustainable development goals and targets. Governments must consider stronger life-saving measures towards preventing tobacco caused epidemic of diseases, which is now also linked to COVID-19. The cost of inaction is very high and will threaten progress on health and other sustainable development goals.
Shobha Shukla, Bobby Ramakant - CNS
(Shobha Shukla and Bobby Ramakant are part of CNS (Citizen News Service). Follow them on Twitter @shobha1shukla, @bobbyramakant or visit www.citizen-news.org)
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