KEMENCAST #18 - We Need Food, Not Tobacco #KementerianKesehatanPodcast

Summary

In this episode of the Ministry of Health Podcast, the focus is on World No Tobacco Day 2023, with the theme 'We Need Food, Not Tobacco.' The discussion highlights the harmful effects of tobacco on health and the environment, as well as the economic and ecological benefits of switching tobacco farming to staple food crops. With over 70 million global tobacco consumers, the podcast calls for protecting younger generations and encourages tobacco farmers to transition to more sustainable agricultural practices. The episode emphasizes food security, environmental impact, and public health as key components of the 2023 World No Tobacco Day theme.

Takeaways

• 😀 The theme of World No Tobacco Day 2023 is 'We need food, not tobacco', encouraging a shift from tobacco farming to staple food crops.
• 😀 Tobacco consumption is a significant contributor to non-communicable diseases, including hypertension and heart disease.
• 😀 Nearly 70 million people globally consume tobacco products, with an increasing number of young people becoming addicted to cigarettes and e-cigarettes.
• 😀 Tobacco farming is economically unsustainable, with the price of tobacco declining on the global market, while food crops offer higher profitability.
• 😀 The overuse of pesticides and fertilizers in tobacco farming leads to environmental degradation, such as land erosion and soil depletion.
• 😀 There are efforts in Indonesia to encourage tobacco farmers to switch to planting more sustainable crops like corn, sesame, and shallots.
• 😀 The World Health Organization (WHO) supports the transition from tobacco to food crops, to ensure better nutrition and food security.
• 😀 A focus on reducing tobacco consumption among younger generations, particularly targeting the age group of 10-18 years, is crucial for long-term health.
• 😀 The environmental impact of tobacco farming includes land degradation and water contamination due to intensive agricultural practices.
• 😀 People who want to quit smoking can access support through the smoking cessation service (Ina service) or reach out to the Ministry of Health's help lines.

Q & A

What is the main theme of World No Tobacco Day 2023?

The theme of World No Tobacco Day 2023 is 'We need food, not tobacco.' This theme emphasizes the importance of prioritizing food production over tobacco farming, especially due to the global food crisis.

Why was the theme 'We need food, not tobacco' chosen for 2023?

The theme was chosen because of the growing global food crisis, where tobacco farming has been found to be economically unsustainable for farmers. The World Health Organization (WHO) encourages tobacco farmers to shift towards planting more staple and nutritious crops to better support their livelihoods.

How does tobacco farming impact the environment?

Tobacco farming has significant environmental impacts due to the large amounts of pesticides and fertilizers required for cultivation. This leads to land degradation and negative effects on the surrounding ecosystem.

What is the impact of tobacco farming on local farmers in Indonesia?

In Indonesia, tobacco farmers are facing a decline in the profitability of tobacco cultivation due to lower market prices and the high input costs involved. The effort required for tobacco farming is more substantial compared to other crops, making it economically unviable for many farmers.

What alternative crops can tobacco farmers plant to improve their economic situation?

Tobacco farmers in Indonesia are encouraged to switch to growing more economically viable staple foods such as corn, shallots, and sesame. These crops can generate better financial returns and contribute to food security.

How does tobacco consumption affect public health?

Tobacco consumption, particularly smoking, is a major cause of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, and respiratory issues. It is especially harmful to the younger generation, who are increasingly targeted by tobacco advertisements, including electronic cigarettes.

What is the global impact of tobacco consumption?

Globally, around 70 million people consume tobacco products. This widespread consumption contributes to significant health issues, particularly increasing the risk of chronic diseases like hypertension and heart disease.

How does tobacco farming relate to the issue of stunting in Indonesia?

The focus on tobacco farming, rather than food production, can contribute to the broader issue of stunting in Indonesia. By shifting to food crops, farmers can help combat food insecurity and improve nutritional outcomes for children.

What efforts have been made in Indonesia to shift from tobacco farming to food production?

In some regions of Indonesia, efforts have been made to encourage tobacco farmers to transition to growing crops like corn, shallots, and sesame. These crops offer better economic returns and support the nation's food security.

What initiatives are being taken to protect the younger generation from tobacco consumption?

Efforts to protect young people from tobacco consumption include government policies aimed at reducing smoking rates among individuals aged 10-18. This includes campaigns to discourage smoking and prevent the use of electronic cigarettes among youth.