PIHOA seeks tougher tobacco policy

Members of the Pacific Island Health Officers Association have urged leaders and health providers in their nations and jurisdictions to support campaigns against the use of tobacco.

The resolution adopted Friday also asked the leaders to carry out prevention programs and become role models in their respective communities by espousing a tobacco free lifestyle.

In seeking wide support for its campaign, PIHOA members asked the United States and international tobacco control organizations to recognize the need for and allocate adequate resources to combat the tobacco industry as well as support tobacco control programs in the Pacific Island communities.

Public Health Secretary Joseph Kevin Villagomez, who is currently the President of PIHOA, said the resolution was adopted during last week’s conference held at Tinian Dynasty.

He said the conference was a success as it brought together not only health ministers of the Freely Associated Nations of the Trust Territories but representatives of 50 federal agencies supporting the Pacific jurisdiction as well. The conference also saw the attendance of World Health Organization, Secretariat of the Pacific Community, Japan-based Sasakawa Foundation and the Director of Health of the State of Hawaii.

“We call upon our own national and local community organizations that receive tobacco monies, for any reason, to recognize the tobacco industry’s true motivations and to resist sponsorships, donations and/or sweepstakes ( or give up current ones), whether they be for cultural, sporting, charity or any other events, supposedly for good cause,” the resolution said.

The resolution sought the adoption of comprehensive tobacco legislation and policies regarding tobacco advertising and promotion, package labeling, clean indoor air, airline and airspace smoking regulations which would contribute to the campaign against the use of tobacco.

In a move to widen its campaign reach, the health leaders asked the leadership to allocate at least 25 percent of any funds resulting from litigation settlement with tobacco industry and or from taxation to tobacco prevention and control as well as treatment activities.

Copies of the resolution were distributed to all heads of state and legislature, U.S. American Affiliated Pacific Island governments, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Department of Interior. Director of U.S. EPA, WHO Western Pacific Region and other health organizations. (LFR)