Editor,

The tabling of the anti-smoking bill before parliament has been long in waiting. The anti-smoking bill, according to The New Times article published on October 19, 2010, will curb smoking of cigarettes and tobacco, most especially in public places.

It’s scientifically known that passive smokers suffer a greater health risk than the actual active smokers since they only inhale and not exhale. Smoking in public exposes second hand smokers to disease risks like lung cancer, coronary heart diseases that eventually lead to  death.

Already passive smoking is a global concern because of its diverse repercussions and needs to be given serious consideration when debating the bill in parliament.

Smoking tobacco and cigarettes in public should be banned or greatly regulated. It’s on this basis that I commend the Minister of Health for bringing forth the bill to parliament and I unanimously call upon parliament to support the passing of the anti-smoking bill into a law.

Enock Buntu
MPH Student