Calls for Enactment of Tobacco Control Bill Renewe
By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia —(16-12-2024) - The Government of the Republic of Zambia, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and various Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), has launched the 2021 Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) Report, underscoring the urgent need for action to combat the increasing tobacco use among the nation's youth.
Civil society organizations (CSOs), health experts, and stakeholders renewed their calls for the Zambian government to pass the long-awaited tobacco control legislation.
Speaking at the December 16, 2024, event in Lusaka, Albert Phiri, a representative of the CSOs, called for the urgent implementation of concrete measures to tackle the tobacco epidemic among young people.
He emphasized that the survey data must lead to legislative changes that protect Zambia’s youth from tobacco addiction. Phiri criticized the delay in passing the tobacco control bill, which has been under discussion since 2008.
The tobacco industry, Phiri noted, has been targeting the youth, leading them to early addiction, which results in long-term health problems. This contributes to the rising burden of tobacco-related diseases in Zambia.
Despite widespread support, the tobacco control bill has faced setbacks, mainly due to resistance from the tobacco industry and political delays. The bill has not yet reached Parliament for approval.
Phiri and other CSO leaders are calling for a bill that aligns with the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), ensuring it is "untarnished, uncompromised, and free from the influence of the tobacco industry.”
The tobacco control bill would introduce regulations on tobacco advertising, increase tobacco taxes, and strengthen anti-smoking campaigns.
Advocates believe the legislation will save lives and reduce the economic burden of tobacco-related diseases.
The Ministry of Health in Zambia expressed concern over the rising tobacco use among Zambia’s youth, as revealed by the 2021 Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS).
The statement, read on behalf of Health Minister Dr. Elijah Muchima by Dr. Bushimbwa Tambatamba a Public Health Specialist and the Director of Public Health at the Ministry of Health, highlighted the need for immediate action to address the growing public health issue.
The 2021 GYTS found that 4.9% of Zambians aged 13 to 15 are using tobacco, surpassing the African regional average of 9%.
Dr. Tambatamba emphasized that these figures reflect not just numbers, but the lives of young people at risk of serious health problems such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
"These children are facing profound health risks. If we do not act now, we may lose a generation to preventable diseases," Dr. Tambatamba said.
"The consequences of tobacco use are far-reaching and affect individuals, families, and communities."
Dr. Tambatamba also noted regional disparities in tobacco use, particularly in areas where tobacco is grown, with evidence showing that proximity to tobacco cultivation increases usage. The Ministry is focused on implementing targeted interventions in these regions and across the country.
Zambia has ratified the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) but has yet to fully implement the necessary legislation.
"We are working to enact comprehensive tobacco control laws to protect future generations," Dr. Tambatamba added.
Additionally, the Ministry is expanding tobacco cessation services across the health sector, aiming to support individuals who wish to quit smoking. These services will be accessible in schools and communities, particularly for youth who are vulnerable to addiction.
The Ministry also plans to strengthen regulations on tobacco marketing, particularly through media and point-of-sale advertising, which continue to target young people.
Dr. Tambatamba highlighted the government's collaboration with the Ministry of Education to integrate tobacco prevention into school curricula, empowering youth to make healthier choices.
The Ministry recognized the important role of civil society organizations and other stakeholders in the fight against tobacco use, aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals on health and well-being.
"We must turn the insights from the 2021 GYTS into actionable steps to protect our children and ensure a healthier future for Zambia," Dr. Tambatamba concluded.
The 2021 GYTS found that 4.9% of Zambians aged 13 to 15 are using tobacco, surpassing the African regional average of 9%. The Ministry is focused on implementing targeted interventions to combat tobacco use.
Fred Masaninga, who read the statement on behalf of Dr. Bakyaita, WHO’s Country Representative for Zambia, stressed the urgency of tackling tobacco use as a leading preventable cause of death and disease.
"Tobacco use is a major contributor to non-communicable diseases and remains one of the single most preventable causes of morbidity and mortality globally," Masaninga stated.
According to WHO, tobacco-related diseases cause about 8.7 million deaths annually worldwide, with 1.3 million of those attributed to secondhand smoke.
Dr. Bakyaita also highlighted that nearly 90% of tobacco users start before the age of 18, pointing to youth as a primary target for the tobacco industry.
“The youth are often the first to be targeted by the tobacco industry with new and emerging products such as e-cigarettes, shisha, and smokeless tobacco,” Dr. Bakyaita emphasized, noting that youth make up 70% of Zambia's population.
This demographic, he argued, is at significant risk due to the increasing availability and marketing of tobacco products aimed at younger consumers.
Tobacco consumption remains a serious issue in Zambia, contributing to the rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory illnesses.
NCDs account for about 23% of all deaths in Zambia, and tobacco use is a major risk factor for these diseases. WHO reports that tobacco contains over 7,000 chemicals, 69 of which are known carcinogens.
Dr. Bakyaita applauded the Zambian government for its continued commitment to addressing tobacco-related harm, particularly through the Ministry of Health's leadership.
He also acknowledged the efforts made by the Ministry of Education in educating the public on the dangers of tobacco use.
In Zambia, the government has been actively working to align its laws with the global Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), which Zambia signed 16 years ago.
The country has made strides in developing a comprehensive legal framework aimed at reducing tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke.
WHO is also funding projects to explore alternative livelihoods for tobacco farmers, encouraging the cultivation of crops like groundnuts and sunflowers to provide sustainable income sources.
Dr. Bakyaita called on various sectors of society, including policymakers, parents, teachers, and community leaders, to join the fight against tobacco use.
“We need to empower our youth with accurate, evidence-based information to dispel misconceptions spread by tobacco advertisements and marketing,” he said.
Dr. Bakyaita urged continued collaboration and action to protect Zambia's youth from the harmful effects of tobacco, noting that now is the time to make meaningful strides in tobacco control.
“By working together, we can protect the health and future of Zambia’s children and youth,” he concluded.
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