Govt must take action on tobacco-related deaths

Govt must take action to prevent tobacco-related death in Maori

The Heart Foundation is calling for the government to take bold action to prevent Maori dying prematurely from tobacco related illnesses.

The call comes as submissions on the Maori Affairs Inquiry into the Tobacco Industry in Aotearoa and the Consequences of Tobacco Use for Maori are being heard this week.

Heart Foundation Medical Director Professor Norman Sharpe says life expectancy for Maori is on average ten years less than Pakeha.

He says tobacco smoking is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease - which is New Zealand’s leading cause of death - with Maori being disproportionately affected.

“Smoking is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and it is a fact that many premature deaths could be prevented if New Zealand took bold steps to reduce and ultimately remove the supply of tobacco from our communities.”

“The Foundation welcomes this inquiry and the opportunity to present a submission that strongly recommends the New Zealand Government establish a comprehensive set of regulations and legislative measures which in the short term restrict, and in the longer term eliminate, tobacco for supply by 2020,” he says.

The first steps which can be taken immediately are to ban retail tobacco displays; provide appropriate cessation support systems for Maori and others to quit and increase the excise tax on tobacco.

Through its work in the community, the Heart Foundation sees the tragic impact heart disease and tobacco use has on families.

It believes the impacts of tobacco smoking are one of the most important factors impeding Maori development and the economic development of the whole of New Zealand.

“Stopping smoking is the single most effective way to reduce this rate of premature death and disability,” says Professor Sharpe.

Cessation of smoking results in a rapid and substantial reduction in heart disease - approximately 5 years after quitting a smoker’s death rate is about the same as non-smokers.

Professor Sharpe says Pacific families are also affected by smoking with Pacific people having the second highest rates of smoking following Maori.

“We urge that our recommendations are accepted for Maori as it will also benefit other high risk groups,” he says.

ENDS