SEVENTEEN per cent of all deaths in Fiji are because of tobacco-related illnesses.
Acting manager, Tobacco Control Unit at the Ministry of Health Malelili Nakulanikoro, said more than 1200 Fijians died every year because of tobacco-related illnesses.
He said 70 per cent of these people were dying prematurely, that was below the age of 70.
“There was a study that was conducted in 2022 to 2023 by the UNDP and it was funded by the Australian, British and the Norway government,” Mr Nakulanikoro said.
“So, during the study, it was revealed that more than 1200 Fijians are dying from smoke-related illnesses.
“And 70 per cent of those people that are dying, are dying prematurely, that is below the age of 70.
“And from that 1200, 472 people are dying from heart disease.”
He said the study revealed that most people that were dying from smoke-related illnesses, had heart-related cases.
“So, my message to the public is if you smoke, that is your right to smoke, we are not stopping anyone from smoking, but you should be mindful of elderly and young children who are around us.
“Because those are the ones that are readily affected, or they are vulnerable because of their weak immune system.
“They can get sick easily from the harmful effects of tobacco.”
