Republic of Mauritius- First Tobacco Cessation and Prevention Unit inaugurated at Eastern High Security Prison

In his address, Dr Husnoo highlighted that the Tobacco Cessation and Prevention programme is a rehabilitation programme which has as objective to help detainees to be free from tobacco addiction. It also encourages them to gain greater self-awareness to live a tobacco free life, and prepare their re-entry in the community with the support of stakeholders, he added.

The Minister reiterated Government’s commitment to leave no stone unturned in the fight against tobacco addiction and lauded the initiative of the Mauritius Prisons Service in paving the way for the adoption of a more concerted, comprehensive and sustained approach to address the tobacco problem.  The Ministry of Health and Quality of Life, he said, is working in close collaboration with the Prisons Department to give the right support to detainees who are addicted to smoking.

Speaking about tobacco use, Minister Husnoo underlined its negative and significant impacts on health, especially on the lungs.  Tobacco smoking, he stated, is the leading cause of respiratory problems such as asthma resulting in painful coughs and breathing difficulties. Tobacco use, he underscored, is responsible for more than seven million deaths worldwide every year while for Mauritius, some 1 000 deaths are caused annually. He also recalled that it has been more than four months now that cigarette smoking has been banned in all prisons within the jurisdiction of the Republic of Mauritius.

For his part, the Commissioner of Prisons highlighted that Prisons and medical staff of the Tobacco Cessation and Prevention Unit have received specific trainings to implement the necessary measures and actions to encourage and support detainees to adapt to a tobacco free lifestyle and ensure monitoring and evaluation.

The Unit, Mr Appadoo pointed out, will help the Prisons Department achieve its goal as the Mauritius Prisons Service envisions a safer Mauritius through best correctional practice.  The Prisons Department also has as mission statement to keep detainees in safe and humane custody and help prepare them for a useful release, he further indicated.

The Tobacco Cessation and Prevention Unit

The setting up of this Unit is in line with Government’s objective to improve the quality of life and ensure the well-being of Mauritians. It aims at providing support and counseling to help detainees quit smoking and adapt to a tobacco free lifestyle.

According to statistics, about 90% of detainees across Prisons in Mauritius were addicted to tobacco and for the last three years, nearly Rs 85 million was spent only on tobacco for detainees.