The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

Objective: The Church has a major role to play in creating public awareness of the dangers of tobacco smoking, not only by highlighting its health and social hazards but also building advocacy against tobacco smoking by using its moral and biblical doctrines. About 50% of Africans and 46% of Nigerians are Christians; thus a large proportion of the population will be reached through the Church.

Methods: The effort consisted of seminars, rallies and concerts emphasizing the hazards of tobacco smoking. These activities moderated by the authors were held in the Church and focused on its various organizations especially the clergy and youth. A key component of the effort focused on promoting anti-tobacco sermons. Thereafter, information from participants on the effectiveness of such programmes was collected

Results: Fifty-five percent of youths, 65% of men; and 80% of women respectively attend the church service or church related programmes at least once a month. 70% of individuals who smoked cigarettes had a rethink about smoking after attending church related anti-tobacco programmes. However, 60% of the above did not know how to go about overcoming their tobacco smoking habits. Additional work needs to be done on these modalities and incorporating health personnel to work with the clergy in their campaign against tobacco smoking. Also support groups amongst smokers should be formed to assist in rehabilitating them.