Prevention and control of Areca (‎betel)‎ nut and tobacco use : a guide for workshop facilitators

Overview

The health, social and economic burdens of tobacco use – in all of its forms – are devastating. The use of tobacco with areca nut, commonly referred to as betel nut, has played a significant role in the increased incidence of adverse health effects among its users in many countries of the Western Pacific Region.

In particular, studies have linked the incidence of cancer of the oral cavity and oesophagus in some Pacific island countries to the use of betel nut both with and without tobacco (WHO IARC, 2004). Advocacy and awareness-raising activities can provide decision-makers with evidence of the serious harm caused by betel nut chewing, with and without tobacco. Community-based strategies are also needed to overcome social and cultural beliefs and practices that are barriers to sound public health measures. This is essential to prevent unnecessary suffering from oral cancer and related diseases.

The Review of Areca (Betel) Nut and Tobacco Use in the Pacific: A Technical Report developed by the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific (2010), offers guidance for government representatives, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), community organizations and health professionals in addressing betel nut and tobacco use. The report highlights a set of effective measures to prevent and control betel nut and tobacco use.

Prevention and Control of Areca (Betel) Nut and Tobacco Use: A Guide for Workshop Facilitators, aims to reiterate learnings from the Technical Report and encourage workshop participants to promote actions to reduce betel nut and tobacco use within the Western Pacific Region.