‘Tobacco use injurious to women’s health’

LAHORE:President Society of Gynecology Oncology (SOGO) Pakistan Prof Dr Sardar Al-Fareed Zafar has emphasised that tobacco use has significant effects on women's health, making them vulnerable to a different range of diseases. He warned that pregnant women who are addicted to smoke are more likely to give birth to children with weakened respiratory systems and a higher risk of infections.

Prof Al-Fareed Zafar urged gynecologists across the country to not only treat female patients but also raise awareness about the harmful effects of smoking on health. He announced that under the platform of SOGO, a series of awareness seminars will be launched nationwide to combat the rising trend of smoking among the youth, aiming to safeguard the future generation from smoking-related illnesses. “Tobacco use is a destructive addiction that is eating away at our health, society and economy like a termite. Although smoking may appear to be a minor habit, its consequences are extremely serious and devastating.”

As per a report from the World Health Organisation (WHO), Prof. Al-Fareed Zafar revealed that tobacco-related illnesses cause over 8 million deaths globally every year. He stressed that avoiding tobacco is not only essential for individual well-being but also critical for the collective health of society.

Prof. Al-Fareed further stated that smoking during pregnancy poses severe risks to the unborn child, including stillbirths, early neonatal deaths, premature births and low birth weights. He voiced concern over the growing use of tobacco products among women and young girls in Pakistan, labeling it a dangerous trend.

He added that nearly half of Pakistan’s population uses tobacco in various forms, including cigarettes, gutka and paan are increasingly among those affected. Tobacco consumption hardens the inner lining of the mouth, making it difficult to chew food and potentially leading to oral cancer.