Africa News

World No Tobacco Day: Activists task health workers on cessation therapy for smokers

Anti-tobacco activists have said health professionals have the greatest potential of any group to promote the reduction of tobacco use, as only a few people understand the specific health risks of tobacco use. They made this point during a briefing to mark the World No Tobacco Day, in Lagos, adding that a disturbing reality is...

We must provide tobacco users the help they need to quit

The 2021 edition of World No Tobacco Day makes a special request to smokers; “Commit to Quit”. This message is particularly timely, especially at a time when the world continues to struggle to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that “available research suggests smokers are at higher risk of developing...

Tanzania: About 500 containers of ‘shisha’ still held at Dar port

Dar es Salaam. About 500 containers of expired ‘shisha’ products have been detained at the port of Dar es Salaam, the government revealed. The minister of State in the Vice President’s Office Union Affairs and Environment, Selemani Jafo said yesterday during his visit that the 40ft containers (2TEUs) have been imported since 2019. Shisha usually contains...

Nigeria: Teenage ‘shisha’ video reinforces need to ban sale of tobacco near schools

A non-governmental organisation, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), has commended the Lagos State government over its decision to rehabilitate the five students smoking ‘shisha’ in a recent viral video on social media. The group, however, urged the state government to complement the action by enforcing the ban on the sale of tobacco products...

Ghana: Chairman of MATCOH calls for probe into the suspension of Tobacco Contract

Chairman of the Media Alliance in Tobacco Control and Health (MATCOH), Mr. Jeorge Wilson Kingson, has called for a probe into circumstances that led to the suspension of a contract between the government of Ghana and the United Kingdom (UK) security printing firm De La Rue. MATCOH is a group of media professionals and practitioners...

Growing pains: Zimbabwe’s female tobacco farmers struggle to compete

At the mercy of international markets and denied access to mainstream finance, the enterprising growers face a precarious existence Moreen Tanhara waits patiently for officials to inspect her tobacco. The 49-year-old has travelled nearly 100 miles (150km) overnight in an old lorry to reach Tobacco Sales Floor, an auction house in Harare. Tanhara sits quietly...

Malawi President Proposes Switch from Growing Tobacco

Malawi's President Lazarus Chakwera said Tuesday the country should move away from growing tobacco, although it contributes to more than 60 percent of the country's earnings, because he sees no future in continuing to grow it. At the opening of tobacco selling season, Chakwera said Malawi should switch to other cash crops like cannabis, which...

Tobacco Industry Exploiting Nigeria’s Weak Regulations to Glamourise Smoking in Entertainment Industry

A non governmental organsation, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), has lamented that the tobacco industry is exploiting Nigeria’s weak tobacco control regulations and poor enforcement to glamourise smoking in Nollywood, Kannywood and in music videos. Its Executive Director, Mr. Akinbode Oluwafemi, stated this yesterday while addressing a press conference in Abuja. He said the...

We can build a fairer, healthier Africa when we effectively tackle the maneuvers of the tobacco industry.

Lomé, 07 April 2021 This year, World Health Day mandates us to reflect on measures to make the world fairer and healthier. The World Health Organization notes that the world is currently an unequal one because “as COVID-19 has highlighted, some people are able to live healthier lives and have better access to health services...

South Africa: Illegal cigarette consignment to be destroyed

Government’s renewed vigour to eliminate illegal tobacco imports and exports will be demonstrated on Friday when a multi-department operation will see 12 million cigarettes being destroyed. The consignment, which has a R18 million market value will be destroyed at the State Warehouse, at no.9 FW de Klerk Boulevard, Cape Town Foreshore at 8am. In a statement,...

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