Ministry of Health Calls for Parental Cooperation in Curbing Tobacco Use Among Children

Strategic Insights -

The Ministry of Health is urging parents to join forces in tackling the growing issue of tobacco use among university and school-going children. According to PS Mary Muthoni, over 650,000 children aged 10-17 have experimented with tobacco and nicotine products, putting them at risk of chronic and respiratory diseases. The Ministry is cracking down on rogue industry players who use attractive packaging and flavouring to entice young users, and is appealing to parents to keep a close eye on their children's behavior and limit their access to money.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 650,000 children aged 10-17 have experimented with tobacco and nicotine products in Kenya, posing significant health risks.
  • Parents are being asked to join the Ministry of Health in curbing tobacco use among children, as they are key stakeholders in their children's lives.
  • The Ministry is working to unmask rogue industry players who use undercut tactics and add flavours to products to appeal to young users.
  • Parents are being advised to monitor their children's behavior and limit their access to money to prevent sharing and the use of tobacco and nicotine products.
  • The Ministry is committed to continuing the crackdown on the tobacco industry and stopping the import and sale of products that pose a danger to Kenyans.

Statistics:

  • 650,000 children aged 10-17 have experimented with tobacco and nicotine products in Kenya.
  • This number poses significant health risks, including chronic and respiratory diseases.
  • The Ministry is committed to continuing the crackdown on the tobacco industry and stopping the import and sale of products that pose a danger to Kenyans.

Sources:

  • "Ministry of Health calls for cooperation from parents in curbing tobacco use among children" by [Source: Nation]