Africa Tobacco Control Youth Ambassador Given Kapolyo has condemned the deceptive tactics employed by the tobacco industry as they make desperate attempts to undermine the tobacco control Bill.
"We condemn the deceptive tactics employed by the tobacco industry as they make desperate attempts to undermine the Tobacco Control Bill. It is disturbing to see that they have organised a meeting with selected committees of parliamentarians under the guise of "engagement and awareness".
This meeting, conveniently scheduled during the decisive final stages of the bill's journey to parliament, raises suspicion,"Ms Kapolyo said.
Speaking at the media briefing in Lusaka today, Ms Kapolyo said it is disturbing to see that they have Organised a meeting with selected committees of Parliamentarians under the guise of engagement and awareness.
She has called upon the executive and the speaker to take note of the interference and question why the tobacco industry feels the need to engage with Parliamentarians outside the confines of Parliament at the vital stage.
"We call upon the Executive and the Speaker to take note of this blatant interference and question why the tobacco industry feels the need to “engage” with parliamentarians outside the confines of Parliament at this vital stage.The industry publicly states their support for the bill, but the fact of the matter is that they are actually working against it,"She said.
She noted that the tobacco control Bill prioritizes the well-being of Zambia's youth by aligning with the WHO-FCTC which aims to safeguard both current and future generations from the harmful effects of tobacco use and exposure to second hand smoke.
"Tobacco Industry determined to sabotage a bill that prioritises the wellbeing of Zambia's youth: The Tobacco Control Bill prioritises the well-being of Zambia's youth by aligning with the WHO FCTC. It aims to safeguard both current and future generations from the harmful effects of tobacco use and exposure to second-hand smoke. The tobacco industry's dishonest intentions are clear - they do not have the best interests of Zambian youth or public health in mind.We wonder if they even allow their children and youth in their families to smoke! Yet, they have gone full throttle to impede life-saving tobacco control measures. It is crucial to combat their deceptive tactics, especially when it comes to enticing young people into tobacco use. The WHO FCTC is a vital tool in protecting public health from these harmful influences,"She noted
She added that the tobacco industry's dishonest intentions are clear-they do not have the best interests of Zambian youth or public health in mind.
Ms Kapolyo said the addictive nature of tobacco products poses a significant threat to the youth.
She said the industry strategically manipulates product formulations to increase addictiveness.
She said the relentless pursuit of profit by the tobacco industry comes at the cost of public health, particularly targeting the vulnerable groups of youth and women.
She added that the tobacco industry's impunity knows no bounds as they shamelessly confessed on a recent radio show to meddling in the legislative process of the tobacco control bill in Zambia.
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