In commemoration of World No Tobacco Day, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, has sounded the alarm on the tobacco industry’s relentless efforts to target young people in the region.
This year’s theme, “Protecting children from tobacco industry interference,” aims to mobilize global efforts to shield young people from harmful tobacco and nicotine products and counter the deceptive marketing strategies of the tobacco industry.
“World No Tobacco Day provides an opportunity to emphasize the dangers of tobacco use and second-hand smoke exposure,” Dr. Moeti stated. “Today, we reflect on our progress in tobacco control and acknowledge the persistent challenges posed by the tobacco industry’s tactics to undermine these efforts.”
Globally, more than 37 million young people aged 13 to 15 use tobacco, with the African Region showing usage rates of 11.1 per cent for boys and 7.2 per cent for girls. “These figures translate to about seven million young tobacco users in Africa,” Dr. Moeti noted.
She also pointed out the deadly impact of second-hand smoke, which causes an estimated 1.3 million deaths annually.
Dr. Moeti emphasized the WHO’s support for member states in enforcing robust tobacco regulations and controlling marketing strategies targeting young people.
“Our efforts have led to 45 African countries ratifying the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and 22 countries ratifying the protocol to eliminate illicit trade in tobacco products.
“National legislations have enabled effective implementation of tobacco control measures, contributing to the downward trend in tobacco use across the region,” she said.
Significant progress has been made, with the prevalence of tobacco use among adults in Africa declining from 14.9 per cent in 2010 to 9.5 per cent in 2023. Twenty-two countries are on track to achieve a 30 per cent reduction by 2025 relative to 2010 rates.
However, Dr. Moeti warned against the tobacco industry’s relentless efforts to attract young people through misleading science, lobbying, and corporate social responsibility activities. “More efforts are needed to counter the industry’s tactics and protect young people from addiction,” she asserted.
She urged African governments to uphold their obligations under WHO FCTC Article 5.3, which includes introducing safeguards against tobacco industry interference, countering industry tactics with evidence-based strategies, and raising public awareness of the industry’s targeting of youth.
“Countries should implement and enforce a 100 per cent ban on public smoking and vaping, apply excise taxes to reduce tobacco consumption, and communicate health risks through graphic warnings,” Dr. Moeti concluded. “We must accelerate the implementation of stringent measures to protect our youth and ensure a healthier future for all.”
World No Tobacco Day, observed annually on May 31, aims to raise awareness of the harmful and deadly effects of tobacco use. This year’s campaign emphasizes protecting children from the tobacco industry’s influence and promoting global health.