Experts have called on parents and teachers to protect their children against the use of Tobacco and exposure from its harmful effects.
This followed a one week programme organised by the Nigeria Tobacco-Free School Initiative (NTFSI) in selected secondary schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The experts say the initiative is a vital strategy for tobacco control and prevention in childhood.
They presented the Nigeria Tobacco-Free School Initiative (NTFSI) in selected secondary schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as a vital strategy for tobacco control and prevention in childhood.
Speaking, the leader of the paediatric health experts from the Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN) Prof Edwin Eseigbe, said protecting children from tobacco industry influence is crucial.
Prof Eseigbe expressed gratitude to the schools, FCT Secondary Education Board, and PAN members, assuring them that their appreciation will be conveyed to PAN’s President, Prof E. Ekure.
The experts emphasized the need for all stakeholders in childcare to take action and protect Nigerian children from the dangers of tobacco use and exposure.
The experts highlighted the harmful effects of tobacco use and exposure in childhood, including congenital birth defects, brain development issues, sudden infant death syndrome, respiratory tract diseases, and cancer.
They discussed the new strategies used by the tobacco industry to attract children to tobacco use and stressed the role of relevant stakeholders in safeguarding children from tobacco and related products.
The NTFSI, supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO), aims to keep Nigerian schools and school populations tobacco-free.
It focuses on increasing awareness among teachers and students about the dangers of tobacco, developing the capacity of students to reject tobacco, providing tobacco cessation services in schools, and advocating for tobacco prevention among relevant stakeholders.
During the presentation at Kabusa Community Secondary School and Government Secondary School Garki, the team of experts was warmly received by school staff and students.
The vice principals, Mr. Polycarp Haziel and Mrs. S. Adetona-Alao, expressed their appreciation for the NTFSI activities and acknowledged the importance of strengthening their schools’ capacity to address tobacco-related issues.