Speaking at the media briefing to commemorate World no tobacco day in Lusaka, under theme "Protecting children from tobacco industry interference” Tobacco Control Consortium of Zambia Acting Chairperson Albert Phiri said Zambia's children and youth encounter numerous obstacles that hinder their development and opportunities.
He said one of the main factors exacerbating the challenges is the Tobacco Industry.
"The Tobacco Industry has been promoting and misleadingly marketing its "next generation" flavored products like e-cigarettes, vaping, and shisha as safe. However, these products are equally harmful as traditional cigarette sticks and sometimes even more hazardous," Mr Phiri said.
"According to a study conducted by the World Health Organization, individuals who engage in a single session of shisha pipe smoking, lasting between 20 to 80 minutes, can inhale an equivalent amount of smoke to that of a cigarette smoker consuming 100 or more cigarettes. It is tragic that shisha, e-cigarettes, and other flavoured forms of tobacco and nicotine lack proper regulation, our country needs to urgently avert the growing trends in tobacco use -particularly amongst our young people,"He noted
Mr Phiri said ensuring a safe and supportive environment is essential to safeguard the children from violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Unfortunately, tobacco is the prominent thread that is woven into all these negative outcomes.
He said tobacco therefore tears at the fabric of the society and weakens the nation.
"In Zambia, it is crucial to unite in a joint endeavor and implement strict policies to counter the tobacco industry's impact on the younger generation," Mr Phiri stated.
The Tobacco Control Consortium of Zambia emphasized the necessity for a comprehensive societal approach to protect the health and well-being of future generations.
He has noted with concern that a few elements in the nation’s Cabinet still dance to the tune of the Tobacco Industry’s morbid song, which pitches perceived profit over public health.
"As Zambia joins the global community in observing this year’s World No Tobacco Day, it is an opportunity for the Government of the Republic of Zambia to reinforce a whole-of Government approach to action its commitment to tobacco control legislation. It is imperative that the Government fulfil its duty of care to protect its citizens, especially the younger generation, from the clutches of tobacco addiction designed by the Tobacco Industry. Studies show that if Zambia does not enact the legislation, the number of people using tobacco will increase by more than 40% by 2030, while enactment of a tobacco control law will lead to a 30% reduction greatly assisting Zambia to meet its sustainable development goal on tobacco use," He explained.
He said enacting Tobacco Control Legislation will reduce the accessibility and affordability of tobacco products for the children.
He added that Zambia will then nurture a healthy and productive generation that will contribute positively to the nation's future.
"As Zambia celebrates its diamond jubilee, will future generations criticise the current leadership for neglecting to pass the Tobacco Control Bill, or will they appreciate the foundation for health and prosperity laid by enacting it in 2024? Mr Phiri cautioned.
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