Tag - Tobacco control

Smoke free Sweden: Why are Swedes stubbing out their cigarettes?

The Scandinavian country is a trailblazer when it comes to quitting smoking, but other forms of tobacco consumption are still popular. Sweden is on course to become one of the world's first "smoke-free" countries, defined as less than 5% of the adult population smoking. It is set to achieve this significant milestone in the coming months...

Butt why? The EU countries weighing a ban on cigarette filters to deter smoking and cut pollution

Health and environmental campaigners are calling for a European ban on cigarette filters, saying it would fight pollution and discourage people from smoking. Cigarette butts are the second most common litter found on European beaches, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Last year, WHO called on governments worldwide to consider cigarette filters as single-use plastics...

National Strategy on Tobacco Harm Prevention and Control to 2030 approved

Vietnam is striving to reduce the rate of tobacco use among males aged from 15 to less than 39% in the 2023 – 2025 period as set out in the freshly-approved National Strategy on Tobacco Harm Prevention and Control to 2030. Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam is striving to reduce the rate of tobacco use among males...

WHO urges governments to stop subsidizing life-threatening tobacco crops

On World No Tobacco Day, WHO urges governments to stop subsidizing tobacco farming and support more sustainable crops that could feed millions. “Tobacco is responsible for 8 million deaths a year, yet governments across the world spend millions supporting tobacco farms,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “By choosing to grow food instead of tobacco, we...

Tobacco smoking: Time to close the gap in enforcing graphic health warning policy

The alarming rate and impunity with which the tobacco industry and its promoters visibilise tobacco products and smoking in the virtual space requires the urgent attention of relevant agencies of government if we must save the next generation of young Nigerians. The images, videos and skits of celebrities smoking like chimney and glamourising their acts...

South Africa has multi-million rand smoking problem – and SARS is taking action

Despite the efforts of authorities, illicit cigarettes in their millions are filtering into South Africa, sidestepping tax and customs levies. Edward Kieswetter, the commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS), said: “The country is battling the scourge of illicit cigarettes smuggled from a neighbouring country, with a view to not only displace legitimate manufacturers...

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...

World No Tobacco Day 2023 awards – the winners

Every year, WHO recognizes individuals or organizations in each of the six WHO Regions for their accomplishments in the area of tobacco control. This recognition takes the form of WHO Director-General Special Recognition Awards, World No Tobacco Day Awards, and in 2023, one WHO Director-General's Special Recognition Certificate. WHO Director-General Special awards Dr Odete Maria...

Seeds of change in Kenya as farmers lead way on tobacco-free farms

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...

New smoking tax hitting South Africa next month

From 1 June 2023, nicotine-substitute solutions, including vaping products, will be included in the tax net with a flat excise duty rate of R2.90/ml. Excise duty on vaping tobacco products has been in the pipeline for a while – the tax was first announced in finance minister Enoch Godongwana’s 2022 budget speech. The South African Revenue...

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