This report is to briefly summarize the activities on Tobacco Free Initiative (TFI) on World No Tobacco Day, 2010 in the Pacific island countries and areas (PICs), including 5 PICs, i.e., Fiji, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), Palau, Marshall Islands and Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) (ordered according to the time the reports were submitted by the PICs). WHO Office for the South Pacific located in Suva, Fiji produced and delivered the posters and flyers to many PICs before the WNTD, 2010.
The brief summary reports of the 5 PICs, Fiji, CNMI, Palau, Marshall Islands and FSM are as follows: (1) WNTD, 2010 Activities in Fiji
(1) WNTD, 2010 Activities in Fiji
In the lead up to the World No Tobacco Day, Dr Chen Ken, the WHO Representative in the South Pacific, was interviewed by Fiji One television, Fiji Broadcasting Corporation Radio station, Communications Fiji Limited together with the print media, namely The Fiji Times and Fiji Sun, on the theme of this year's World No Tobacco Day.
This year the World No Tobacco Day celebration in Fiji was marked by the launch of Fiji's 3rd Tobacco Free Village – Nabukaluka village in the Naitasiri province of the Central Division, Fiji. About 600 adults and children from Nabukaluka village attended the celebration. The theme for this year's World No Tobacco Day focuses on Gender, with an emphasis on marketing to women. So it was fitting that the celebrations for this year were held in a village where the chief is a lady and is taking the lead role in Tobacco Control for her people.
Celebrations were also held across Fiji, one of which was in the Northern Division attended by the Commissioner Northern.
(2) WNTD, 2010 Activities in CNMI
The CNMI observed World No Tobacco Day on May 31, 2010. Various government departments and NGOs joined the Community Guidance Center, under the Department of Public Health in its one-day tobacco-free campaign. The event started with a road-side waving by participants, which included advocates and students.
Brochures and information were disseminated to the participants as well as an exhibit table displaying information regarding the effects of tobacco and second hand smoke. This event was attended by children, youth and adults alike.
The event was also highlighted by a special anti-tobacco local dance performance by young ladies and raffle drawings.
(3) WNTD, 2010 Activities in Palau
Palau held their 13th annual 5k/10K walk/run on Sunday May 30, 2010 and had a turn out of 324 participants. This was a joint effort of their Coalition with the Ministry of Health. A press release was submitted to the newspapers during the week. At registration, they collected basic demographics and 2 questions about tobacco use some of which are summarized in the press release. The Ministry of Health held a health fair on May 31. There were some stories in the local papers about the official theme on "Gender and Tobacco".
Of all smokers, 6.8% are men and 3.5% are women. Majority of smokers are in the 46-60 year age group.
(4) WNTD, 2010 Activities in Marshall Islands
(5) WNTD, 2010 Activities in Federated States of Micronesia
The World No Tobacco Day 2010 was celebrated in the Federated States of Micronesia throughout the four states of Pohnpei, Yap, Kosrae and Chuuk. The activity above was held at Nanpei Memorial High School cafeteria in Pohnpei. High School students especially ninth graders were mostly present during this activity. An essay contest by ninth graders talking on this year's theme, "Tobacco and Gender with an emphasis on marketing to women", was the main focus of this year's celebration in Pohnpei. The chairman of Health Committee for Pohnpei State Legislator, Senator Wincener David, was the keynote speaker that day and he presented on the dangers of smoking and history of cigarette to the islands. Other partners were present during this activity both from National Government and State, including coalition members of the Pohnpei Tobacco Free Coalition.