Say No to Tobacco

World Health Organization says Building a healthier future for all generations.

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Zambia24 (31 May 2025) - Zambia has joined the world in the fight against tobacco, commemorating the 2025 World No Tobacco Day with renewed commitment to protecting young people and the wider population from the deadly effects of tobacco use.

The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasized the importance of proactive health promotion measures to prevent tobacco and nicotine addiction, particularly among adolescents.

Tobacco remains a leading preventable cause of disease, disability, and death, undermining national health gains and the well-being of communities.

At the official launch held at Chawama Grounds in Lusaka, WHO Country Representative Dr. Clement L. Peter Lasuba stressed that protecting youth from tobacco products through comprehensive health promotion strategies is critical to sustaining public health.

“This year’s theme, ‘Unmasking the Appeal, Bright Products! Dark Intentions!’, reveals how tobacco companies use appealing packaging and flavors to attract young people,” said Dr. Lasuba.

“Health promotion efforts must focus on educating communities and empowering youth to resist these harmful influences.”

Tobacco use contributes to over 7,000 premature deaths annually in Zambia from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses.

Nearly 6% of Zambian youth aged 13–15 currently use tobacco products, a statistic driven by aggressive marketing and poor awareness.

Health protection policies, including bans on flavored tobacco and restrictions on youth-targeted advertising, are essential to reduce exposure and initiation.

Dr. Lasuba urged the government to accelerate adoption of legislation aligned with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) to strengthen these protections.

“Preventing tobacco addiction through policy and health education protects not only individuals but entire communities from the burden of disease,” he said.

“Effective health promotion creates a tobacco-free environment that supports healthy choices.”

On behalf of the Ministry of Health, Acting Director Dr. Matilda Simpungwe reinforced Zambia’s commitment to health promotion and protection through legislative reforms and public awareness campaigns.

“Tobacco use is not only a health hazard but a barrier to social and economic development,” she said.

“Our goal is to protect every Zambian, especially young people, through policies that reduce tobacco availability and improve public knowledge of its harms.”

Zambia’s efforts include banning single cigarette sales to limit youth access, regulating digital tobacco marketing, and promoting smoke-free public spaces to protect non-smokers from secondhand smoke. These health protection measures complement ongoing health promotion initiatives in schools and communities.

Dr. Simpungwe noted the importance of multisectoral collaboration involving government agencies, civil society, families, and schools to build resilience against tobacco use.

“Health promotion empowers individuals to make informed decisions, while health protection creates an environment that supports those decisions,” she explained.

“Together, they form a comprehensive approach to reduce tobacco-related harm.”

At the community level, youth leader Faith Kalaluka of Chawama spoke passionately about the role of health promotion in empowering young people to reject tobacco.

“Educating youth about the risks of tobacco, providing support to resist peer pressure, and engaging families in healthy lifestyle choices are vital to protecting our future,” Kalaluka said.

“We must build awareness that tobacco is not a harmless habit but a serious threat to health.”

Kalaluka emphasized that tobacco addiction leads to long-term health consequences and social challenges that undermine the well-being of individuals and communities. She urged for increased community engagement, health education programs, and stronger enforcement of tobacco control laws.

The Ministry of Health affirmed its openness to partnerships and continued investment in both health promotion and protection strategies to reduce tobacco-related disease burdens and improve population health outcomes.

World No Tobacco Day 2025 serves as a reminder that protecting health requires a holistic approach combining policy, education, community action, and support services to create tobacco-free environments where people can thrive.