CPCR Urges Parliament To Strengthen Tobacco Control Bill 

By Daily News Reporter 

Zambia is facing a critical test of its commitment to public health as Parliament debates the Tobacco Control Bill, 2025—legislation designed to curb tobacco use, protect citizens from harmful exposure, and align the country with international health standards.

The stakes are high. Each year, more than 7,000 Zambians die from tobacco-related illnesses, according to the Centre for Primary Care Research (CPCR). Beyond the human toll, tobacco use imposes a heavy economic and social burden, straining health facilities, reducing workforce productivity, and leaving families to shoulder the costs of preventable diseases.

"The Tobacco Control Bill is a critical step towards protecting the health of Zambians,” said Professor Fastone Goma, CPCR Executive Director.

 “Parliament now has an opportunity to strengthen this law so it meaningfully addresses the tobacco epidemic rather than preserving the status quo.”Said Pro Goma.

The Bill, if enacted, will regulate the manufacture, marketing, sale, and packaging of tobacco products, while also providing support for those struggling with addiction. Importantly, it aligns with the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), which Zambia ratified in 2008. The treaty obliges countries to adopt measures including graphic health warnings, advertising bans, and policies to reduce tobacco consumption.

Public health experts warn that the Bill must go beyond mere regulation. Dr. Cosmas Zyaambo Sianantu, Senior Lecturer at the University of Zambia’s School of Public Health,

 

stresses that legislation should actively reduce exposure, restrict advertising, promote cessation programs, and protect vulnerable populations, including children, pregnant women, and workers in public spaces.

He also highlighted its role in heart disease, cancer, respiratory complications, and other chronic conditions

Health experts have also stressed the dangers of second-hand smoke, pointing out that non-smokers—including children, pregnant women, and workers in public spaces—remain exposed to harmful emissions. Strong smoke-free policies and effective enforcement are needed to protect these vulnerable populations.

 “Strong regulations, clear warnings, and restricted advertising are proven to reduce smoking rates globally. Zambia cannot afford to delay any longer,” he said.

Yet the road to effective implementation is complicated. Powerful tobacco companies, including British American Tobacco (BAT) Zambia, have reportedly lobbied to weaken certain provisions, aiming to dilute advertising restrictions, reduce the size of health warnings, and permit the continued marketing of flavored products. Health advocates have condemned these efforts as “utter hypocrisy,” noting that such restrictions exist in the company’s home markets. BAT Zambia, however, maintains that it operates responsibly.

Enforcement is another challenge. Experts caution that overly strict regulations, if poorly enforced, could inadvertently push tobacco sales into informal or illicit markets. Coordinated action between health authorities, law enforcement, and trade regulators will be critical to ensure the Bill achieves its intended impact.

Despite these obstacles, civil society organizations like the Centre for Primary Care Research (CPCR) are rallying behind the legislation, emphasizing Zambia’s moral and legal obligations under international frameworks.

 “This is more than legislation—it is a commitment to our people and to global health standards,” Dr. Zyaambo affirmed.

As Parliament deliberates, Zambians are watching closely. The Tobacco Control Bill represents more than policy—it is a measure of governance, a test of national will, and a statement about the kind of future the country wants to build. Its passage could mark a turning point, setting Zambia on a path toward a healthier, more resilient society while fulfilling its global commitments to tobacco control.

For a nation long balancing development, economic interests, and public health, the passage of this Bill could define the next generation’s health and prosperity.