Smoking a serious health issue in the Kimberley

Smoking in WA’s far north is still a major health concern in Indigenous communities, according to latest figures from the State’s Department of Health.

And the Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services has said tobacco is the leading serious health factor that affects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The numbers are alarming because across much of Australia smoking rates have fallen dramatically.

In the Kimberley about 33 per cent of the population still smoke, commuted to about 10 per cent nationally.

A smoking and nicotine replacement therapy program is underway at Broome Hospital and the WA Country Health Service coordinates anti-vaping education.

WA Health Minister Meredith Hammat told the ABC further programs to help people quit smoking would be introduced.

“We are looking at all the ways we can make particular programs like that [more] available,” she said.