فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
During the public session held by the Moroccan House of Representatives on Monday, January 6, 2025, as part of the oral questions exchange in accordance with Article 100 of the Constitution and the council’s internal regulations, Dr. Khalid Ait Taleb, Minister of Health, delivered a concerning report on smoking in the Kingdom.
In his opening remarks, the minister highlighted that smoking poses a severe health threat to citizens, noting that globally, it causes around 8 million deaths annually, according to the World Health Organization. On a national level, the minister stated that the smoking prevalence among adults in Morocco stands at approximately 13.4%, underscoring a significant challenge in combating this issue.
The minister revealed that smoking is responsible for about 8% of deaths in Morocco, with lung cancer ranking as the leading cause of death associated with smoking. Tobacco accounts for 75% of fatalities linked to this disease. Additionally, 10% of deaths result from respiratory illnesses, while smoking significantly contributes to the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, with approximately 74,000 cases attributed to tobacco use.
Dr. Ait Taleb also disclosed findings from a Ministry of Health and Social Protection study on the epidemiological and economic impact of smoking in Morocco. The study estimated 4,227 new lung cancer cases annually and around 12,800 deaths directly caused by tobacco use each year.
The minister further emphasized the economic burden of smoking, estimating its annual cost to the country at over 6 billion dirhams. This figure underscores the considerable health and economic challenges tied to this habit.
Referring to the National Multisectoral Strategy for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases 2019-2029, the minister outlined an ambitious goal of reducing tobacco consumption among individuals aged 15 and older by 20% by 2029. This strategy focuses on raising awareness and promoting understanding of smoking risks through a national communication plan and targeted campaigns involving media and other institutions.
In conclusion, Dr. Ait Taleb called for the collective efforts of all societal stakeholders to curb smoking prevalence and achieve tangible results in mitigating its health, social, and economic repercussions on the Kingdom.
source : fesnews media
