Press release of World No Tobacco Day by EMBRACE project in Sandan 2019

Press Release World No Tobacco Day

By Project EMBRACE Sandan District, Kampong Thom Province May 28, 2019

On May 28, 2019, members of ADRA Cambodia’s EMBRACE team celebrated World No Tobacco Day 2019 on the theme of "Tobacco and Lung Health" in Sandan commune, Sandan district, Kampong Thom province. They highlighted the harmful effects of tobacco and the second hand smoke on

children, newborn babies, and pregnant women, the key beneficiaries that EMBRACE project is targeting. The session was held in cooperation with the Provincial Health Department, Operational District and the local authorities in Sandan district with a total of 400 participants (270 females) coming from around Sandan commune, Sandan district, Kampong Thom province.

Key Objectives: 1. For people in the community to be aware of the serious effects of tobacco use.

2. For people to know the serious effects of tobacco use on pregnant women and children.

3. To encourage parents and caregivers to give up tobacco use to improve their health and the health of the people around them.

This event was broadcast live on air via the project Radio program live from 10am to 11am onthe Kampong Thom Radio FM105.3 MHz. Persons who called were given the opportunity to ask questions to guest speakers and chat related to the event. There were also local television media channels presented during the event.

Mr. Ken Chamroeun, Senior Assistant Project Manager of EMBRACE Project based in Sandan, said the program was designed to raise awareness among the community about the serious health effects of smoking and tobacco products, knowing the serious implications for Tobacco or tobacco use in pregnant women or toddlers who receive secondhand smoke. He added the program also encouraged the caregivers to quit smoking or tobacco for their own health and others. “smoking has two major effects: 1) Impact on health such as heart disease, lung disease, digestive system and kidney and 2) Loss of family budget.” According to a report by the Ministry of Health and the World

Health Organization, tobacco products contain 7,000 toxic chemicals that make up for more than 6 million people with various disorders and die every year worldwide.

The governor of Sandan district, Mr. Long Kisoeung, state that “this is the second time that authorities and the development partners have raised the issues on tobacco products related to health and the economy.” He added, “when people will stop using tobacco products, it will contribute to improving the health and welfare of the community, and also support the government in developing the country.” In particular, it affects women and children who smoke secondhand smoke in the premature and incomplete environment. Finally, he also calls on citizens to quit smoking for good health. At the same time, according to data from the National Institute of Statistics of the Ministry of Planning 2014, out of more than 15 million Cambodians, more than 2 million are tobacco consumers. And according to the Ministry of Health's additional report, Cambodia has lost about 10,000 people every year.

Mr. Srey Narong, a police inspector of Sandan district, said less likely to be talking and intimate with each other. They often say that they are lazy even to take a bath resulting in bad smell on their body; their wives starts to complain every day; “after a person stops smoking family and colleagues are happy and express their admiration and encouragement.”

Project EMBRACE (Enhancing Mother/Newborn/Child Health in Remote Areas through Health Care and Community Engagement), is being implemented by ADRA Cambodia. It is primarily funded by Canada’s International Development – Global Affairs Canada department with support from ADRA Canada’s generous donors.

For me information, please contact: 1.

2.

Mr. Ken Chamroeun: Senior Assistant Project Manager of EMBRACE, ADRA Cambodia Tel: 012 894 891 ; Email: chamroeunk@ADRAcambodia.org Mr. Kong Phano: Public Relations Coordinator, ADRA Cambodia Tel: 077 398 477 ; Email: phanok@ADRAcambodia.org