The Regional Director for World Health Organisation, (WHO) Africa Dr. Matshidiso Moeti has called for urgent and stronger measures to protect youth from the tobacco industry’s aggressive tactics.
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As the 77th World Health Assembly unfolded, Dr. Moeti emphasized the necessity of global solidarity in tobacco control efforts.
“Tobacco use is declining in 150 countries, and there are now 19 million fewer smokers globally than there were two years ago”. Dr. Moeti noted.
However, Dr. Moeti highlighted significant challenges that remain, particularly the tobacco industry’s relentless targeting of young people.
“This year’s theme, ‘Protecting children from tobacco industry interference,’ aims to rally global efforts to safeguard young people from harmful products,” she said.
“The statistics are troubling: globally, over 37 million young people ag
ed 13 to 15 are using tobacco, with African youth facing usage rates of 11.1% for boys and 7.2% for girl”.
“The tobacco industry employs deceptive marketing strategies, often leveraging social media and influencers to appeal to young people. This marketing increases youth exposure to tobacco products, contributing to the estimated 7 million young tobacco users in the African Region”. Dr. Moeti warned.
Dr. Moeti also pointed out the severe health risks of second-hand smoke, which causes 1.3 million preventable deaths annually. “Second-hand smoke exposure significantly increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, respiratory diseases, type 2 diabetes, and various cancers,” she emphasized, underscoring the need to protect non-smokers.
In response to these issues, 45 countries in the African Region have ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), and 22 have adopted the protocol to eliminate illicit trade in tobacco products. “These legislative measures have facilitated the effective implementation of the WHO FCTC in over 35 countries,” Dr. Moeti reported.
One of the region’s notable successes is the decline in adult tobacco use, from 14.9% in 2010 to 9.5% in 2023. “The 2023 WHO Global Report on Trends shows that 22 countries in the African region are on track to achieve a 30% reduction by 2025 relative to 2010 rates,” Dr. Moeti highlighted.
“WHO has also supported over 5,000 tobacco farmers in Kenya and Zambia to transition to alternative crops. “This initiative not only helps reduce tobacco production but also supports sustainable livelihoods,” Dr. Moeti explained. Despite these efforts, the tobacco industry continues to evolve its strategies to attract young people.
“The industry has diversified its arsenal, targeting youth with new products such as e-cigarettes, flavored products, smokeless tobacco, and nicotine pouches,” Dr. Moeti said.
These products are aggressively promoted through social media, posing significant threats to young people’s health.
To combat these tactics, Dr. Moeti urged African governments to enforce robust tobacco regulations. “Countries should implement stringent controls on marketing strategies and introduce safeguards to protect tobacco-control policies from industry interference,” she advocated. Public awareness campaigns about the tobacco industry’s deceptive practices are also essential.
Dr. Moeti emphasized the importance of collaboration, urging, “All our partners, including other UN agencies, civil society organizations, and communities, must support strong measures that protect youth from the harm of tobacco products.” Evidence-based arguments and best practices are crucial in countering the tobacco industry’s influence.
“Ensuring a 100% ban on public smoking and the use of electronic cigarettes, along with applying excise taxes to reduce consumption, are effective strategies,” Dr. Moeti stated. Communicating health risks through graphic warnings is also critical in educating the public, particularly children and youth.
Dr. Moeti reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to working closely with governments to protect young people. “We must accelerate the implementation of the WHO FCTC and take stringent measures against new and emerging tobacco and nicotine products,” she said.
“Together, we can safeguard the health of Africa’s youth and counter the tobacco industry’s relentless efforts.”
Dr. Moeti’s call to action is a rallying cry for all stakeholders to intensify efforts to combat tobacco use and protect the younger generation.
“Our collective efforts can make a significant difference in the fight against tobacco and its impact on public health,” she concluded.
