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Tobacco and Smoking
 CHL recognizes that tobacco smoking is a major public health
threat for Egypt. Almost half of Egyptian men smoke (44%), and
the death rate attributable to tobacco smoking among Egyptian
men is estimated to be high (893 per 100,000). Women smoke
less, with 4.8% smoking in 1997. Two studies of smoking among
Egyptian youth found that a between 20% and 29% smoke, and that
the rate is growing. The average age that these young people
tried their first cigarette was 11.
The vast majority of Egyptians believe that active smoking and
passive smoking (or environmental smoke) are harmful to one’s
health. In addition, they believe that smoking is sinful and
are aware that there is a fatwa (a religious indictment) against
tobacco smoke. Nevertheless, at least 29% of children in Egypt
are exposed to smoking in their homes, putting them at risk for
the same kinds of illness suffered by active smokers.
Messages included in CHL’s “Sahatek…Sarwetek” (Your Health…Your
Wealth) campaign include not exposing children and pregnant
women to tobacco smoking as a step all Egyptians can take for
the health of their families. CHL seeks to communicate to
Egyptian families the special importance of not smoking around
children and other vulnerable population groups, and designs
activities to build support for smoke-free zones at home and in
the public arena.
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