Tobacco control

Abstract

Smoking is a global epidemic. Every eight seconds a person dies of tobacco-related disease, and almost as quickly another smoker is recruited. Encouragingly, South Africa is at the forefront of legislation to control tobacco use and in this article we review the recent changes in our Tobacco Control Products Act. In addition to legislation, we as pharmacists need to educate people about the dangers of smoking and need to offer help to those who want to quit. We can provide encouragement; give practical tips and make recommendations regarding nicotine replacement therapy.