Ban-education for smokers

Cambodia’s Ministry of Health is to run an education campaign before starting to enforce new laws that restrict tobacco smoking in public areas, according to a story in The Phnom Penh Post.

The Council of Ministers on Friday approved a sub-decree restricting smoking or tobacco usage in enclosed public places and setting fines for offending individuals and businesses.

The sub-decree also suggested possible educational initiatives that might be taken, including through the use of warning images and messages on cigarette packs.

Dr. Yel Daravuth, the World Health Organization Cambodia technical officer in charge of the Tobacco Free Initiative who consulted on the sub-decree, said the enforcement of the new laws would likely begin in six months.

Ministry officials and NGO representatives met on Monday to discuss how best to deliver anti-smoking messages and information about the new laws to the public, though no specific measures were decided upon.

“We need to educate the public not to smoke in public . . . and change attitudes about smoking,” said Chhea Chor Daphea, president of the ministry’s National Center for Health Promotion.

“The Ministry of Health will have more meetings to discuss the implementation plan and promotion to the public.”