Tag - Africa

ATCA Unveils 2023 Africa Tobacco Industry Interference Index Report

The 2023 Africa Tobacco Industry Interference Index was yesterday launched in a virtual event attended by tobacco control advocates, government officials, the media, and other stakeholders. The Index, produced by the African Tobacco Control Alliance (ATCA) in collaboration with the Africa Centre for Tobacco Industry Monitoring and Policy Research and the Global Centre for Good...

Increase Tobacco Taxes To the WHO-recommended Level – Group Tells African Governments

The African Tobacco Control Alliance (ATCA) in collaboration with the Africa Centre for Tobacco Industry Monitoring and Policy Research and the Global Centre for Good Governance in Tobacco Control (GGTC), in the 2023 Africa Tobacco Industry Interference Index has called on African Governments to increase tobacco taxes to the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended...

Group wants better funding for tobacco control

The Nigeria Tobacco Control Alliance, on Tuesday, lamented the paltry budgetary allocation to tobacco control in the country. Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, the Chairman of NTCA, Akinbode Oluwafemi, disclosed that the allocation to tobacco control plunged by 50 per cent from N9.4m in 2022 to N4.7m in 2023. According to him, the slash...

Our interventions on the WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic 2023

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...

New smoking laws for South Africa – a job-killer in plain packaging

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 Now Want E-Cigarettes, Sheesha Outlawed In Kenya

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...

Op-Ed: Menthol cigarettes contribute to health inequities. It’s time to act

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...

A simple answer to the smoking vs vaping debate in South Africa

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...

Tobacco use in Africa: Surveys show who needs help

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...

Philip Morris expands Iqos portfolio in South Africa

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...

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