Kigali — As an anti-tobacco campaign kicks-off countrywide, the Ministry of Health has put more strict measures on banning public smoking.The ban bars smoking in bars, restaurants, clubs and work places, in line with the World Health Organization (WHO) Tobacco Control Guidelines.

Addressing a Press Conference at the health ministry boardroom, the Health Minister Dr. Jean Damascene Ntawukuliryayo, unveiled the three-page Ministerial Decree, which stipulates measures to reinforce the nationwide anti-tobacco campaign.

"We have signed WHO anti-tobacco pacts; it is the right time to join rest of the world to fulfill the obligation. Identifying factors that force someone to smoke is the major issue to deal with, to make sure tobacco problems are fought at the sources," the minister underscored.

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He added that the government has designed stickers 'to put on walls and vehicles' with a 'warning message' on the dangers of smoking. He disclosed that advertising of tobacco products and smoking in public had been banned, adding that those found defying the ban would be punished.

"Passive smoking is more dangerous than the active one. Therefore, it is best to assist both, with active smokers abiding by the directives," Ntawukuliryayo said.

He also disclosed that tax on tobacco products would be raised, adding however, that a complete ban on tobacco production was still impossible.

The WHO Country Representative Dr. Nsue Milang noted that the ban on public smoking is the best process of saving young persons from tobacco associated menaces.

"If the public smoking is globally halted, then WHO will have achieved the goal of controlling smoking related diseases," he said.

The ban on public smoking in Rwanda follows the endorsement of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).

According to health ministry officials, the FCTC was concluded in Geneva in May 2003 under the auspices of the WHO and entered into force in February 2005.

It is aimed protecting present and future generations from the devastating health, social, environmental and economic consequences of tobacco consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke.