Kathmandu: The Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mr. Bidhya Sundar Shakya has said that the metropolis will be developed into a smoke-free city by the end of 2020.
He said that KMC had become the part of the Partnership for Healthy Cities, a global network of 70 cities committed to saving lives by preventing non-communicable diseases such as cancer, and diabetes, and injuries, so it would be developed smoke-free.
A program was organized in Kathmandu valley where Mayor Shakya said-” Improving public health requires bold action. We are proud to be part of this group of cities working to ensure longer and fuller lives for people. Through PHC, our efforts in this area will have an even greater impact. We are implementing a global blueprint for effective urban health.”
“The road to a healthier world runs through cities. Major portion of the world population now lives in urban areas, so cities have to implement meaningful policies,” – said Dr. Kelly Henning, who leads the public health program at Bloomberg Philanthropies. Dr. Kelly said that PHC unites mayors who are committed to action.
A recent study shows that the prevalence of tobacco use in adults is 68.4 percent in rural and 37 percent in urban areas of Kathmandu. Mayor Shakya has committed to develop KMC as a smoke-free city by December 2020.
Globally, out of 10 deaths, eight deaths are counted due to NCDs and injuries. The additional cost per person to implement key NCD policies in low-and lower-middle-income cities between now and 2030 is USD 1.27 while road traffic injuries already cost most countries three percent of their gross domestic product. Through this partnership, cities commit to one of 14 interventions that address the risk factors causing NCDs and injuries, such as implementing smoke-free laws that protect residents from second-hand smoke, restricting sugary drinks and junk food advertising or creating safe urban cycling routes.
Source: THT
