Rural Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County In its firm effort to protect the health of its citizens, Uasin Gishu County, through the leadership of Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim, has rolled out a heightened campaign to fight tobacco consumption, with special focus on the dangers of smoking and second-hand smoke.
The renewed commitment by the county to combat tobacco consumption was emphasized on the second day of the Pre-World No Tobacco Day training of enforcement officers, an important step in preparing local leaders for the battle at hand. Dr. Evans Kiprotich, Director of Health Services in Uasin Gishu, made a forceful call to action during the exercise.
"No smoking will be allowed in the public places," declared Dr. Kiprotich as he urged for protecting the community against the dangers of tobacco. He asked the enforcement officers to pay close attention to their duties, citing the serious health effects of smoking, including lung conditions that have a tendency to lead to death.
The exercise training, one of a larger county program, is designed to equip officers with effective enforcement tools. Skills that are covered include preventing illegal tobacco sales and distribution of illicit tobacco products that have further complicated public health efforts. Dr. Kiprotich reaffirmed that both sale of illicit tobacco products and the interference of the tobacco industry need to be tackled through a multi-sectoral collaborative approach since these have been undermining public health efforts for a long time.
The battle against tobacco is not just reducing smoking rates; it's about battling for the wellbeing of our people's lungs," declared Dr. Kiprotich passionately. He also added that the county's initiative will focus on making the public aware of the severe health implications of tobacco use, especially how tobacco smoke damages non-smokers who are exposed to second-hand smoke.
In addition to uncompromising public smoking bans, the county is also placing a high premium on protecting enforcement officers from tobacco industry interference. Officers are being trained to avoid any conflict of interest and avoid arrangements or partnerships that would dilute their work in combating tobacco use. This involves keeping away from any non-enforceable arrangements that would dilute the integrity of the public health agenda.
Governor Bii’s administration is determined to make Uasin Gishu a model county in the fight against tobacco-related diseases, committing not only to enforcement but also to community education. The county government has partnered with local organizations, health professionals, and other stakeholders to ensure that its anti-tobacco stance resonates with all residents, from schoolchildren to adults.
As part of the overall programme, Uasin Gishu aims at conducting public sensitisation campaigns in schools and residential areas, as well as monitoring tobacco products' sales to ensure that counterfeit products are kept off the shelves.
"This is a fight we cannot lose," Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim declared. "The health of our citizens is at stake, and we are determined to do all we can to protect it. This project is a pledge to our children, our families, and our future."
The fight against tobacco in the county is gaining pace as county officials, residents, and local leaders join hands to transform the county into a smoke-free place. With Dr. Kiprotich leading the charge and wholehearted support from the Governor's office, Uasin Gishu is quickly becoming a model county of public health and tobacco-free lifestyle.
As the county prepares for World No Tobacco Day, the message is clear: Uasin Gishu is leading the battle against tobacco, with a focus on saving lives and a smoke-free, healthier future.
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