The COVID-19 pandemic has brought economic setbacks and death while ravaging the health systems of nations around the world. These devastating effects are occurring at a time when tobacco use remains the single preventable cause of death and disease globally.

Tobacco use kills about 8 million people around the world annually. The tobacco industry has taken advantage of COVID-19 period to interfere in policy through several tactics and manoeuvres.

This study, conducted in 2021, explored how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted on tobacco control in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA), as well as how the tobacco industry exploited the pandemic to promote its agenda.

It also highlights how civil society organizations (CSOs), governments and other stakeholders responded to the threat posed by industry activities to tobacco control in the continent.

Access the Report.

Evolution de la consommation des produits de tabac chez les fumeurs en période de confinement du fait de la Covid-19 en Côte d’ivoire : étude exploratoire P31 by Dr. Bi Boli Francis TRA

Tobacco and COVID-19: Understanding the science and policy implications

Tobacco Industry ‘Used COVID-19’ to Influence Governments Especially in Switzerland, Index Finds 

Globally Reported Tobacco Industry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic – January 2022

Big Tobacco’s Big Gains During COVID-19

Tobacco companies stepped up influence efforts during Covid, report finds

The Role of the WHO FCTC in COVID-19 Responses

COVID-19 has had many negative impacts on all our lives as well as on tobacco control efforts.

Tobacco Control During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Americas: Lessons Learned and Opportunities

How the tobacco industry has exploited COVID-19