By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Njirhoba Foundation has integrated tobacco control education into the ongoing Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) campaign in Kaduna State, using house-to-house visits to educate families about the health risks associated with tobacco use.
According to a statement issued by the foundation, volunteers who also serve as Community Drug Dispensers are combining malaria prevention activities with public awareness on tobacco control. The campaign encourages parents and caregivers to protect children from exposure to tobacco products. A key message of the initiative is that children should not be sent to buy cigarettes, which the foundation says could expose them to tobacco use at an early age.
Several residents expressed support for the campaign. Mrs. Blessing Bartholomew said she would not allow her children to buy cigarettes for adults, while Mr. Bartholomew Dominic said involving children in purchasing tobacco products could increase their curiosity about smoking. Other residents, including Mrs. Justina Mathew and Miss Ruth Solomon, pledged to educate children on the dangers of tobacco use and discourage the practice.
Founder of the Njirhoba Foundation, Mrs. Margaret Kwa’ada Julius, said the organisation is using community outreach programmes to promote awareness of tobacco control policies and the importance of protecting children from tobacco exposure.She also called for stronger enforcement of tobacco control laws and greater public awareness to reduce tobacco use among young people.
