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Thandeka Moyo Chronicle Reporter
Bulawayo City Council has launched an anti-smoking campaign in conjunction with the Seventh Day Adventist Church to raise awareness on the dangers of smoking.
A one-week programme was held last week to start the campaign and it attracted more than 200 smokers. Of those who attended the daily sessions, 80 vowed to quit smoking and graduated yesterday.

Speaking at the ceremony where the smokers were also awarded certificates for attending, Councillor Monica Lubimbi urged residents to be cautious about their health.

“We would like to thank all those who made a commitment to change their habits towards better living. We all need to adopt good lifestyles so we live longer. Smoking causes a lot of diseases that can cost millions to treat,” she said.

Dr Itai Magodoro, who was helping the group of both men and women, commended them for taking part in the programme.
“During the week we did basic blood pressure, blood sugar and even peak flows tests which measure lung function on all who attended. It is important for residents to know that smoking is hazardous and that it is possible to quit as long as they have the will power,” said Dr Magodoro.

He said the programme was launched worldwide in 1960 by SDA doctors and was soon going to incorporate more people from Bulawayo.
“There is a worrying increase of smokers in our country and if we ignore it, soon we will have a health crisis. We also encouraged the group to exercise, eat healthy and above all trust God to help them quit smoking.”