Interview on the BBC's "Focus on Africa" Live from Addis Ababa, the Board Chairperson of the African Tobacco Control Alliance (ATCA), Mr. Akinbode Oluwafemi was guest on the BBC program "Focus on Africa" of 01 August 2023 both on radio and TV. He discussed implementation of the WHO FCTC in Africa following the release of...
The Portfolio Committee on Health has conducted more public hearings on the new Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill, with participants expressing mixed views. The new Bill has been met with both support and vehement opposition, depending on the clauses being focused on. Broadly, the bill aims to introduce the following: Indoor public places...
Senators are now pushing for a ban on electronic cigarettes or strict regulations on the use of the substance. In a motion tabled by Nominated Senator Catherine Mumma, the senators raised concerns over abuse of nicotine and the increasing usage of e-cigarettes by underage users mostly students in primary and secondary schools. The Senate wants the...
The tobacco industry has historically targeted its marketing efforts on Black communities When menthol cigarettes were first introduced nearly a century ago, tobacco companies were already aware of menthol’s ability to mask the harshness of tobacco and provide a cooling sensation that made smoking more casual and enticing to try. Today, tobacco companies continue to employ...
While the debate rages on whether or not vaping is “healthier” than smoking – and what implications the activity has for one’s health – insurance experts say that, when it comes to health risk profiles, they’re treated exactly the same. According to Motshabi Nomvethe from professional insurance and healthcare service provider PPS, while smokers have...
In low-income countries, smoking is often associated with low social and educational status. These consumers do not have the means to pay for advice and medication. Tobacco use represents a heavy health and economic burden worldwide. The research valued that in 2019, around 8 million deaths were attributable to smoking. Tobacco also reduces years of healthy life : about...
Tobacco company Philip Morris International has launched a new version of its Iqos heat-not-burn cigarette alternative in South Africa. The Iqos Originals One is an upgraded and renamed version of the Iqos 3 Multi. Iqos Originals One comes in four new colours and is fully compatible with existing Heets tobacco sticks. The product is now...
The initiative, supported by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), in cooperation with the Kenyan authorities, is helping to “move the needle” on ending the global tobacco epidemic, said WHO. Kenya is the first country to participate in the scheme, which offers training to tobacco farmers so that they...
WHO is concerned with continued attempts by the tobacco industry and their surrogates to further its interests to influence scientific research, public perception, policy making, and the media; all aimed to ensure proliferation and sale of nicotine and tobacco products. The tobacco industry continues to amplify misinformation in the media, including the recent egregious attacks on...
Legal advisors and judicial officers from Botswana, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Kenya, Namibia, Mauritius, Rwanda, Seychelles, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia attended a 3-day legal capacity building workshop in Port Louis, Mauritius from 01 to 03 March 2023 to strengthen tobacco control and reduction of NCD risk factors. Mauritius was proposed to host the...
