Call to target smokers in deprived areas
CAMPAIGNERS are calling on the Scottish Government to do more to help cut the number of smokers in deprived areas.
Almost half of residents in some of Edinburgh's most deprived areas are addicted to cigarettes, compared to fewer than one in ten elsewhere in the city.
Sheila Duffy, chief executive of Action on Smoking and Health (Ash) Scotland, said: "Smoking is a major cause and symptom of health inequalities.
"Affluent areas in Scotland can see smoking rates of less than 20 per cent, but in deprived areas rates can be more than double that and deaths due to smoking are correspondingly higher.
"That is why NHS smoking cessation services must remain a public health priority."
Public Health minister Shona Robison MSP said: "We believe helping people stop smoking and discouraging young people from starting has the greatest potential for improving health."
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