The University of Botswana celebrated the World Anti-Tobacco Day in collaboration with the Anti-Tobacco Network (ATN) on May 5 under the theme, ‘Tobacco – a Threat to Development’. The commemoration is on the 9th year. The event started with a 15km walk from UB that was led by the Minister of Health and Wellness Dorcas Makgato. The Fair is also a pre-activity for the World No Tobacco Commemoration (WNTD) that is scheduled for May 31 in Selebi-Phikwe. Makgato emphasised the importance of the event because it sets the tone for the World No Tobacco Commemoration. “It is common knowledge that public engagement demonstrates commitment and willingness by the university to listen and to change as well as provide a safe space for dialogue and debate,” she said. Makgato said it was important that people reflect on tobacco and all the evil that it has caused on the lives of many and yet it is a product many have blindly embraced and welcomed in their homes. According to Makgato, the reason why tobacco is openly sold at the homes and at the gates of primary, secondary and tertiary institutions is because of the deception by its manufacturers. She said it is…
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