In addition, the Task Force will run a workshop at the congress to provide training for doctors in a sophisticated, motivational approach to smoking cessation. This simple yet innovative approach has been developed from clinical practice, research evidence and a range of theories and models on health behaviour change. In spite of a number of global initiatives, tobacco use remains the leading cause of death worldwide as statistics show that the current four million tobacco-related deaths will rise to 10 million over the next 20 years. What is particularly disturbing for Southern Africa is that 70 per cent of these deaths will be in the developing world.
Tobacco companies can no longer advertise, nor can they sponsor public events.
However, smoking is still on the increase among young people and a substantial number of older smokers are resistant to giving up tobacco, despite the adverse effects it has on their health.