MoHAP Rolls Out Tobacco-Free Workplace Guide To Combat Smoking

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has introduced a tobacco-free workplace guide to combat smoking, safeguard public health, and enhance workplace quality of life. Developed by the National Tobacco Control Program, the guide details measures for creating a smoke-free environment, highlighting the adverse effects of smoking and the benefits of quitting.

The handbook provides practical instructions for managers and employees on establishing a smoke-free workplace. It includes procedures for handling violations and steps to assist employees in quitting smoking. The UAE is recognised as a leader in tobacco control, having enacted Federal Law No. 15 of 2009 on Combating Tobacco, followed by comprehensive regulations governing all tobacco-related activities.

Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Under-Secretary for the Public Health Sector, stated: "MoHAP’s Tobacco-Free Workplace Guide will be used as a key resource and tool to assist both government and private entities in fostering a workplace free from the use of all tobacco products." This initiative aligns with the UAE's commitment to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), ratified in 2005.

The WHO FCTC aims to implement effective measures that protect against exposure to tobacco smoke in workplaces, public transportation, and public places. The UAE's regulations ban smoking in enclosed public spaces and prohibit tobacco use in various public areas, including government buildings, healthcare and educational institutions, and public transportation.

Dr. Hussein Al Rand highlighted MoHAP’s extensive initiatives to combat tobacco use. These include monitoring and tracking tobacco consumption, protecting community members from exposure to smoking, providing cessation services, educating the public on the harms of tobacco, and enforcing bans on tobacco advertising.

Additionally, he noted the Ministry's support for the government's decision to implement an excise tax on tobacco products starting in 2019. These efforts have successfully decreased the tobacco consumption rate from 11.1 percent in 2010 to 9.1 percent in 2018, as reported by the National Health Survey.

Dr. Al Rand also mentioned that the UAE is on track to meet the Global NCD Action Plan 2025. The country has achieved a significant reduction in tobacco use prevalence in recent years, as documented in the World Health Organisation's latest global report on tobacco trends.

With inputs from WAM