WHO encourages action on alarming betel nut use

Transcript

The World Health Organisation says betel nut use is on the rise in the Pacific and they're encouraging countries to raise awareness and consider policy level efforts.

The WHO says a large proportion of people are now combining betel nut with tobacco, and as both substances are known carcinogens using them together worsens their impact.

The technical officer for non-communicable diseases in Suva, Ada Moadsiri, says policy efforts could include laws or even events at a community level that are tobacco and chew free.  

She spoke with Bridget Grace about the rate of betel nut use in the region.

ADA MOADSIRI: It's growing at rates that are relatively alarming, especially because we know the dangers of betel nut.  What we're seeing more of is that people are starting to use other substances with the betel nut as well such as tobacco. And even in some cases alcohol, in their chew.

BRIDGET GRACE: And why is it a concern if they are using betel nut and tobacco together?

AM: Well as we know already tobacco is a known carcinogen and it causes several other non-communicable diseases. Including but not limited to, heart disease, cardiovascular diseases, it exacerbates diabetes. And what we're seeing is that betel nut is also a type 1 carcinogen which is known to cause cancer in humans, according to the International Agency for Cancer Research. So when you're combining these substances, not only does it heighten the addictiveness but it also increases risk for non-communicable diseases. And in the Pacific we're seeing rates as high as 54 percent in Palau and in one of the states in the Federated States of Micronesia it's as high as about 65 percent amongst adults. It's a large proportion of the population that is using betel nut and combining it with tobacco.  

BG: The use of it is growing, I guess that means it's becoming more popular, do you know why that is?

AM: Betel nut use in the state of Yap and in certain areas where it was considered part of a cultural tradition. But now that we know it's dangers, it's really important for us to make sure that people are aware of the dangers of using this substance. I think one of the issues in terms of why it's growing also could be that, people are using the substance in social arenas. And it's a way of feeling included, much of the way the use of tobacco really had spread. But also comparing betel nut use and tobacco use, in the realm of tobacco we've made several strides in trying to control. I think with betel nut we're beginning to do that. And having legislation to be able to inform people and thereby decreasing the demand. And also decreasing the supply, especially to young people who are more susceptible to addiction to said substances.

BG: What countries or what measures are underway in terms of reducing the supply and increasing education?

AM: Most of the Pacific islands such as FSM, Palau, Marshall Islands and even the territories like Guam and CNMI are making good effort in raising awareness. Now you're seeing more and more of these countries, for example the state of Pohnpei in FSM has recently tried to increase awareness amongst policy-makers. To engage them in the process of making sure that we're protecting especially the youth. Making sure that they know the dangers as well as decreasing their ability to access these dangerous substances.