30% adult smokers, 32% physically inactive in OIC countries: IINA Report

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Monday 16 Mar 2015 - 10:12 Makkah mean time-25-5-1436 Jeddah (IINA) – There has been a significant increase in the prevalence rates of tobacco use and the level of physical inactivity among the peoples of the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), according to a recent report prepared by the OIC and obtained by the International Islamic News Agency (IINA). The report showed that 30 percent of adult males in 20 OIC countries out of 37, whose data in this respect is available, consume tobacco, while the prevalence of smoking among young teens, aged 13-15, was 20 percent in 2010. The report on the OIC Strategic Health Program of Action (2014-2023) explained that 51 countries of the Organization ratified the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). Most of these countries have enacted additional measures in an effort to contain this scourge, such as controlling tobacco production, banning advertisement, and discouraging consumption by imposing high taxes on tobacco products. According to UN statistics, the report predicted that tobacco-related deaths will increase to 10 million per year by 2030 worldwide, a large proportion of them will be in the OIC countries, and consequently tobacco use will be the leading cause of death. With regard to the physical activity, the report found that 32.1 percent of adults – aged 15 years and above – in 31 member countries are physically inactive, and that this physical inactivity (an important risk factor for overweight and obesity) is more prevalent among females. The report also pointed out that tobacco use, physical inactivity and unhealthy diet are leading causes of premature death, and they are responsible for about 80 percent of coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular disease (stroke) in the OIC countries. In its health program, the OIC called on its member states to ban tobacco use and to develop strategies and plans to address tobacco use, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet and obesity. AB/IINA