“At Philip Morris South Africa, we are committed to reminding consumers that smoking poses serious health risks,” says corporate affairs manager Ulreich Tromp.
“Smoking causes many serious and fatal diseases such as lung cancer, heart disease and emphysema. We are also highlighting in our communication the point that there is no such thing as a safe cigarette,” Tromp adds.
Leaflets bearing information on the harmful effects of smoking will be placed at points of sale as Philip Morris South Africa believes that this will reach the maximum number of smokers.
“This is not new for us,” says Tromp. “Our affiliate, Philip Morris International, has been addressing these and other issues around smoking for years through international campaigns and on our website. Consumers need clear and consistent messages about smoking. Our long-term financial success calls for more than just business strategies and their execution. We must listen to society's concerns and this is what we're doing by communicating in this manner.
According to Tromp, the effort builds on a campaign launched last year in the national press, and complements other recent actions, including providing the Department of Health with a list of Marlboro's ingredients.
“Further, we continue to advocate for the comprehensive regulation of the tobacco industry in South Africa, as we believe that regulating the manufacture, marketing and sale of tobacco products is the most effective way of achieving society's goal of reducing the harm caused by tobacco,” Tromp concludes.
