The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MoHMS) launched Fiji’s expanded tobacco cessation services at an event in Suva last week, together with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners. People who want to quit tobacco can now access tobacco cessation services in five subnational hubs in Central, Western and Northern Divisions in Fiji.
“No one is saying that quitting is simple. Nicotine is extremely addictive, and the act of smoking can become a deeply embedded habit. Which is why this extra support, available across the country, is so essential. At the tobacco cessation hubs, you can access counselling and, if needed, nicotine replacement therapy to make quitting easier,” explained Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete, Minister of Health and Medical Services.
The tobacco cessation hubs are open in:
- National Diabetes Centre in Waimanu Road, Suva, Central Division | Phone: (+679) 331 3444
- Labasa Diabetes Hub Centre, Labasa Hospital Premises, Labasa Hospital Road, Labasa Town, Northern Division | Phone: (+679) 881 1444
- Adolescent and Reproductive Health Centres in Central, Suva, Phone: (+679 3319078), Northern (Labasa) Phone: (+679 8811308) and Western Divisions (Lautoka) Phone: (+679 6660399).
WHO, with funding support from the Government of New Zealand, assisted the Ministry in the expansion of tobacco cessation services through the provision of nicotine replacement therapy items and hands-on training of health workers in three divisions.
“Tobacco kills – this is a fact. Around the world, over 8 million people die every year due to direct tobacco use and second-hand smoke, while in Fiji, tobacco kills an estimated 1,200 people per year,” said WHO Director of Pacific Technical Support and WHO Representative to the South Pacific Dr Mark Jacobs. “All forms of tobacco are harmful and there is no safe level of exposure to tobacco. So, if you are smoking or chewing tobacco, the best thing that you can do for yourself, your loved ones, and your country is to quit using tobacco. Know that you are not alone in this quitting journey because now you can easily access the tobacco cessation hubs and get the help you need.”
The expanded tobacco cessation services were built on tobacco control work by the Fiji Cancer Society and Hope Clinic. With technical and financial support from WHO, the two organizations piloted a tobacco cessation hub in Suva. Both organizations also supported awareness-raising, advocacy, and policy work on tobacco control. Fiji Cancer Society and Hope Clinic were recognized by WHO this year for their tobacco control contributions and MoHMS and WHO conferred the awards in person today.
Fiji has been a party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control since 2005. The country has passed significant tobacco legislation establishing smoke-free places indoors, prohibiting tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship; and requiring health warnings on cigarette packaging and labelling.