Health Minister Tells Fathers: Stop Sending Kids to Buy Cigarettes

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Minister of Health and Medical Services, Dr Paulson Popora Bosawai, has cautioned fathers to stop sending their children to buy cigarettes, saying the practice breaches the Tobacco Control Act and risks passing on harmful habits to the next generation.

“You’re passing a character to the next generation to smoke,” Dr Bosawai said in Parliament this morning, responding to a question from the Leader of Opposition, Matthew Wale, on the implementation of the Tobacco Control Act 2010.

“Fathers especially, stop sending your kids to the store to buy you smoke. Stop it. I have been observing that some fathers continue to do this. You are passing on a behaviour to the next generation,” he said.

Dr Bosawai also highlighted ongoing violations of the non-smoking rules in public transport, noting that public buses are designated smoke-free. However, he said he has witnessed drivers smoking while driving, with cigarettes hanging out their windows.

“You’re breaking the law,” he stressed, adding that smoking in public areas is strictly prohibited.

The Minister further announced the appointment of 107 officers who will be responsible for enforcing the Tobacco Control Act.