WHO Regional Director Highlights Alarming Tobacco Use Among African Youth
Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the World Health Organization Regional Director for Africa, has raised concerns about the rising tobacco use among young people aged 13 to 15 in the African Region, which stands at approximately seven million.
Tobacco Use Among African Youth
In her message commemorating World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) on May 31, Dr. Moeti emphasized that young people are heavily influenced by social media, streaming platforms, and influencers promoting tobacco products. The theme for this year’s WNTD campaign, “Protecting children from tobacco industry interference,” aims to mobilize global efforts to shield youth from harmful tobacco and nicotine products and the deceptive marketing strategies employed by the tobacco industry.
Raising Awareness on World No Tobacco Day
“This day provides an opportunity to highlight the dangers associated with tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke,” Dr. Moeti said. She noted that WNTD serves as a platform for young people to call out the tobacco industry’s harmful targeting practices. Globally, over 37 million young people aged 13 to 15 use tobacco, with the African Region showing 11.1% usage among boys and 7.2% among girls, totaling about seven million users.
Health Risks of Tobacco Use and Second-Hand Smoke
Dr. Moeti stressed that 1.3 million people die annually from second-hand smoke exposure, which can lead to heart disease, stroke, respiratory diseases, type 2 diabetes, and cancers. She highlighted the importance of robust tobacco regulations and stringent controls on marketing strategies aimed at young people.
WHO’s Efforts and Achievements in Tobacco Control
The WHO supports African member states in sustaining tobacco control efforts. Dr. Moeti noted that 45 countries in the region have ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), with 22 ratifying the protocol to eliminate illicit trade in tobacco products. Additionally, 22 countries have adopted new tobacco control laws, resulting in a decline in tobacco use among adults from 14.9% in 2010 to 9.5% in 2023.
Addressing Tobacco Industry Tactics
Dr. Moeti highlighted the tobacco industry’s tactics, including promoting misleading science, lobbying, and corporate social responsibility activities, to attract young people and influence policies. She called for intensified efforts to counter these tactics through evidence-based arguments and public awareness campaigns.
WHO’s Call to Action for Member States
Dr. Moeti urged African member states to protect young people from tobacco industry interference by implementing measures outlined in WHO FCTC Article 5.3. She advocated for a 100% ban on public smoking and the use of electronic cigarettes (vaping), applying excise taxes to reduce consumption, and implementing graphic health warnings to communicate health risks.
Encouraging Stringent Measures and Public Awareness
Dr. Moeti encouraged countries to accelerate their implementation of the WHO FCTC, especially targeting new and emerging tobacco and nicotine products designed to appeal to youth, such as shisha, e-cigarettes, and nicotine pouches. She stressed the importance of stringent marketing regulations and public awareness to protect the health of young people.
For more information on tobacco control and health initiatives, visit the World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa and stay informed about the latest updates and campaigns.
