Campaign targets Asian smokers

1:13pm Monday 3rd September 2001

Three thousand Bangladeshis in Croydon will be among those targeted by a new, £750,000 anti-smoking Government campaign.

The national health drive is aimed at reducing smoking among Asians and includes a specialist tobacco helpline in a variety of languages.

Forty- four percent of Bangladeshi men smoke compared to 27 per cent of the general population, and many also chew tobacco.

Abdul Gofur, co-ordinator of Croydon's Bangladeshi Welfare Association, points out that smoking is very common in Bangladesh, where there is no age restriction.

The association tries to educate its members about the dangers of smoking by holding health seminars and providing information.

He believes that no-smoking aids, such as nicotine gum and substitute cigarettes, should be provided to the BWA to help people quit.

He said: �In theory we can say do not smoke', but it's very hard for them and it is also very costly.

�Smokers are happy to buy a cigarette but not one that will stop them from smoking.

�They are happy to chew tobacco, but not the gum.�

The BWA also aims to educate young Bangladeshis about the dangers of smoking.

Mr Gofur believes that a lower percentage of Bangladesh youngsters smoke than in other communities in Croydon.

He said: �Education gives a good response. People who came to England twenty years ago won't have had the education, so it's more of a habit for them.�

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