African governments have been urged to intensify their efforts to combat the growing threat of tobacco use, particularly among the continent’s youth. With approximately 65% of Africa’s population under the age of 30, this demographic has become a significant target for the tobacco industry, presenting an urgent need for robust measures to address the issue.
The call to action was the central focus of the second Africa Conference on Tobacco Control and Development, held in Accra. The event, organized by the Africa Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) in collaboration with the Centre for Tobacco Control in Africa (CTCA), brought together stakeholders to develop effective strategies for reducing tobacco use and its associated risks.
Representing the Minister for Health, Dr. Darius Osei, Technical Advisor to the Minister, underscored the immense public health threat posed by tobacco. He revealed that tobacco-related diseases claim more than 8.7 million lives annually, with over 1.3 million deaths attributed to second-hand smoke exposure. This burden disproportionately affects women and children, exacerbating social inequalities.
Dr. Osei explained that the consequences of tobacco use extend beyond health, impacting economies and the environment. He highlighted Ghana’s commitment to addressing the tobacco crisis, citing the country’s ratification of the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in 2005 and the Protocol on Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products in 2021. These commitments, he said, have been complemented by local legislation, including the Public Health Act (Act 851) of 2012 and the Tobacco Control Ordinance (LI 2247) of 2016.
Further, Dr. Osei mentioned Ghana’s recent enactment of the Excise Duty Amendment Bill, which transitioned the tobacco tax structure to a hybrid model combining ad valorem and specific tax systems. This shift is aimed at enhancing the country’s ability to enforce tobacco control measures while increasing revenue to support health initiatives.
Mamadou Biteye, Executive Secretary of ACBF and Chair of the conference, echoed the urgency of addressing tobacco use. He pointed out that, according to WHO, tobacco remains the leading cause of preventable deaths globally, surpassing fatalities from HIV, malaria, tuberculosis, maternal mortality, accidents, and homicides combined. He added that tobacco-related illnesses result in approximately eight million deaths annually, including nearly 900,000 attributed to second-hand smoke.
Mr. Biteye highlighted the alarming prevalence of tobacco use among African youth, noting that rates range from 8% to 43% among boys and 5% to 30% among girls, with an average prevalence of 27.5%. He described these figures as a wake-up call for governments and civil society organizations to prioritize interventions targeting the younger population.
One of the key objectives of the conference was to amplify the voices of youth and women in tobacco control. Participants shared insights, best practices, and innovative approaches to confronting the challenges posed by new and emerging tobacco products. The discussions emphasized the importance of empowering young people to become advocates for healthier lifestyles and to resist the influence of the tobacco industry.
The conference also drew attention to the broader implications of tobacco use, including its impact on the environment. Cigarette production and consumption contribute to deforestation, soil degradation, and water pollution, creating long-term environmental challenges for communities. Addressing these issues requires a coordinated effort from governments, international organizations, and local stakeholders.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Biteye stressed that effective tobacco control is not only a health imperative but also an economic and social necessity. He urged African nations to invest in public awareness campaigns, strengthen regulatory frameworks, and promote research into alternative livelihoods for those engaged in the tobacco supply chain.
By intensifying their commitment to tobacco control, African governments can reduce the devastating health and socio-economic impacts of tobacco use. Such efforts will pave the way for a healthier, more productive population and support the continent’s sustainable development goals.
With the collective will of governments, civil society, and international partners, Africa can confront the challenges of tobacco use and protect its youth from the harmful effects of this global epidemic. This collaborative effort will ensure a brighter future for generations to come.
