Zambia's Fight Against Tobacco: Experts Weigh In

By Daily News Reporter 

Zambia has made notable progress in controlling tobacco use, but the journey is far from over. Despite the country's Tobacco Act of 2022, which provides a solid foundation for tobacco control, experts warn that there is still much work to be done.

Limited resources, including funding and personnel, continue to hinder Zambia's tobacco control efforts. The tobacco industry's interference, through tactics like lobbying and misinformation, also poses a significant threat. Furthermore, many Zambians remain unaware of the dangers of tobacco use, highlighting the need for public education and awareness campaigns.

Experts recommend strengthening legislation to address emerging issues, such as the rise of e-cigarettes and other new tobacco products.

Speaking during media engagement Centre for Primary Care Research Executive Director Professor Fastone Goma calls on the goverment by Increasing taxes on tobacco products which can also help reduce consumption, particularly among youth. 

He also said that Community engagement is another crucial aspect, as it can help build support and promote sustainable change.

Comprehensive policy would help address the complexities of tobacco control, including regulating the production, marketing, and packaging of tobacco products.

Higher taxes can reduce tobacco consumption, especially among youth and low-income populations. This measure has been shown to be effective in reducing tobacco use worldwide.

Strengthening enforcement of smoke-free laws in public places, workplaces, and public transportation can protect non-smokers from secondhand smoke.

They is need of using graphic warning labels on tobacco packaging can raise awareness about the health risks associated with tobacco use.

Further for Prohibiting all forms of tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship can reduce the attractiveness of tobacco products, especially to youth.

"The government should be offering accessible and affordable cessation services, including counseling and medication, can help tobacco users quit",Pro Goma said.

Professor Goma added that they is need of regularly assessing the effectiveness of tobacco control measures and making data-driven decisions to improve policies and programs is crucial to reducing tobacco-related illnesses.

And Speaking at the same engagement Tobacco Consortium Chairperson Mr Albert Phiri  added that in the current bill they is too much of interference in the process.

He urged the Zambian government that the bill is not about banning for production but to regulate the consumption of tobacco products.