339 Maltese and Gozitan residents died from smoking between January and November 2006, said Minister of Health Louis Deguara in parliament on. 100 of the deaths occurred to women.

The Minister was replying to a parliamentary question set forward by Member of Parliament (MP) Carmelo Abela. By October 2006, Malta had already registered 282 deaths which were directly or indirectly related to smoking. The figures were obtained from the National Deaths Registry.

In turn the Minister also revealed that the Health Department is launching a number of initiatives to curb smoking. Among these is the Youths National Day, with carbon-monoxide tests being included in the activities that will take place throughout the week in which the day will be celebrated. The Health Division will also actively participate in the World Day against Tobacco, as well as launch a number of programmes in workplaces to encourage smokers to quit their habit. An information booklet about tobacco will also be published.

The Minister reminded that the European Union programme HELP continues with its activities during the year including carbon monoxide tests. He also noted that smoking cessation classes in health centers continue to be available. Additionally, he spoke of the media’s role to tackle the issue of smoking in articles and interviews in a bid to educate persons about the harmfulness of smoking .

See also:
282 Maltese die from smoking in ten months - Dec 5, 2006, 19:42 CET