Ignoring the evidence and science will cost more smokers' lives

Smoking is an addictive and not easy to quit habit. [iStockphoto]

Ignorance and misinformation threaten to rob Kenyan smokers of their best chance to quit their deadly habit. In a country where the Ministry of Health says about 8,100 die each year from tobacco-related diseases, we must explore all available avenues to help smokers beat their addiction.

Despite continuous public awareness campaigns, alongside strict regulations banning tobacco advertising and smoking in public places, an estimated one in every 10 adult Kenyans continue to smoke cigarettes.