Tobacco: WHO Urges Implementation Of 100% Ban On Public Smoking

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged African countries to implement and enforce a 100 percent ban on public smoking and the use of electronic cigarettes (vaping). 

WHO regional director for Africa, Dr. Moeti Matshidiso, stated this yesterday in statement in commemoration of this year’s World No Tobacco Day, with the theme: Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference”. 

Moeti also urged African Leaders to apply excise tax and price measures to reduce tobacco consumption and implement effective measures to communicate health risks through graphic health warnings to populations, including children and youth.

World No Tobacco Day is observed every May 31 to draw attention to  the dangers associated with tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke.

She urged WHO member states in the African region to step up their efforts to protect young people from tobacco industry interference by

“Ensuring governments honor and abide by their obligations under WHO FCTC Article 5.3 by introducing safeguards to protect tobacco-control policy from tobacco industry interference.

“Countering tobacco industry tactics through evidence-based arguments and best practices with full involvement of civil society organisations.

“Raising awareness among the public on the tactics of the tobacco industry; and exposing industry efforts to target youth and attract generations of people with addiction through innovative approaches, including marketing new and emerging products and using flavours.”