Shabait.com (Asmara)
11 July 2009
Asmara — The Minister of Education, Mr. Semere Russom, stressed the need for making concerted action on the part of schools and parents in raising the awareness of students as regards the dangerous consequences of smoking and tobacco.
He made the remarks at the national workshop that was held here in the capital from July 9 to 10 under the theme: " Smoking-free Educational Environment in Eritrea."
Mr. Semere noted the significance of holding such a workshop in gathering objective information regarding smoking in the country's population in general and students in particular. Indicating that students and youths are the primary victims of smoking cigarette, he stated that dire consequence of smoking is escalating as a result of the continuous publicity being made by cigarette-producing institutions.
Mr. Semere went on to say that the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with various government institutions and partners, is exerting relentless efforts to reduce the number of smokers to the lowest level possible. In this respect, he called on schools to back up the endeavors.
The director general of health service in the Ministry of Health, Mr. Berhane Gebretinsae, on his part underlined the importance of undertaking study concerning smoking in schools.
According to a study conducted by the Ministry of Health in 2004, 4.4% of students from the age group of 13 to 15 try to engage in smoking, while 2% of them resort to the habit.
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