FDA Kicks Off Anti-Tobacco Campaign In Ho

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has launched an anti-tobacco campaign in Ho, the Volta Regional capital, to commemorate World No Tobacco Day. As part of the campaign, a medical outreach was conducted in the Ho market, providing essential outpatient department services to traders and shoppers.

The outreach included screenings for lifestyle diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and other tobacco-related non-communicable diseases.

The FDA team engaged in one-on-one interactions with traders and shoppers to educate them on the harmful effects of tobacco and the importance of abstaining from it.

According to Dr. Mrs. Olivia Boateng, Director of the Tobacco and Substances of Abuse Division of the FDA, the outreach aims to complement efforts in reducing tobacco use prevalence.

The Volta Regional Director of the FDA, Gordon Akurugu, explained that the region was selected for the campaign due to its vulnerability to smuggling through unapproved routes.

He reminded importers of restrictions on importing tobacco and medicinal products through land borders, emphasizing that such products can only be brought into the country through the airport.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana partnered with the FDA for the outreach, citing the importance of educating the public on tobacco usage and the effects of self-medication.

Dr. Ruby Biaku of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana also advocated for periodic medical screening, highlighting the growing concern of non-communicable diseases in the country.

Source Noella V/R