Kuwait’s Anti-Smoking Authority warns against usage of electronic cigarettes
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Kuwait Society for Combating Smoking and Cancer, Dr. Khaled Al-Saleh, confirmed that the society’s smoking cessation clinic has observed that regular cigarette smokers are more inclined to quit due to the availability of sufficient information about its harms. In contrast, the clinic has noted a much lower percentage of individuals seeking help to quit electronic smoking in all its forms.
Dr. Al-Saleh stated in a press release that the smoking cessation clinic received, 121 visitors of all ages during 2024, including 12% women. Each case was provided with appropriate treatments and advisory sessions, resulting in 6% successfully quitting smoking. These individuals are now under continuous follow-up.
Furthermore, Dr. Khaled Al-Saleh added that the World Health Organization has warned about the alarming spread of electronic smoking globally, particularly among young people, whose usage rates have surpassed those of adults. It is estimated that up to 37 million children aged 13-15 worldwide use tobacco.
Dr. Khaled Al-Saleh pointed out that the lower number of e-cigarette users seeking help suggests that media campaigns have successfully promoted e-cigarettes as a healthier alternative to traditional smoking. As a result, many users believe there is no need to quit or visit the clinic to address this type of smoking.
Moreover, Dr. Al-Saleh emphasized that this is the biggest misunderstanding the association seeks to address, as scientific studies have proven that the harm caused by e-cigarettes is no less dangerous than that of regular cigarettes.
The association has observed research published on the American medical website PUBMED highlighting an increase in sudden deaths linked to e-cigarettes. While the exact source remains unknown despite understanding the cause, this underscores the significant dangers associated with this type of smoking.
Dr. Khaled Al-Saleh expressed his gratitude to the Minister of Health, Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi, for his dedicated efforts in actively developing regulations, instructions, and laws aimed at combating smoking in all its forms.
Dr. Hessa Al-Shaheen, the representative of the Kuwait Society for Combating Smoking and Cancer in the National Program for Combating Smoking at the Ministry of Health, praised the continuous support provided by the program to anti-smoking efforts in the country.
On an important note, Dr. Al-Shaheen commended those leading the fight against smoking for their dedication to encouraging people to quit, enacting laws, and making decisions that protect the younger generation from this dangerous scourge.
Dr. Al-Shaheen emphasized that the harms of smoking extend beyond health issues, posing a significant obstacle to the development of countries striving for growth in all fields.
Source: Al Jarida
