African Region Solidifies Efforts to Protect Youth on World No Tobacco Day 2024

On World No Tobacco Day 2024, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, praised the significant strides in tobacco control efforts while acknowledging the challenges posed by the tobacco industry.

This year’s theme focuses on «Protecting children from tobacco industry interference,» aiming to raise awareness about the deceptive strategies used by tobacco companies to target young people with harmful products.

The global report showcased progress, with more than 19 million fewer smokers worldwide in the past two years, indicating a positive trend in reducing tobacco use.

In Africa, over 7 million youth aged 13 to 15 use tobacco, prompting intensified efforts to shield them from industry influence.

Forty-five countries in the African Region have ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), with 22 ratifying the protocol to eliminate illicit trade in tobacco products.

Efforts have led to a decline in adult tobacco use from 14.9% in 2010 to 9.5% in 2023 across the region, with 22 countries on track to achieve a 30% reduction by 2025.

Collaborative initiatives with UN agencies and governments have supported tobacco farmers in Kenya and Zambia to transition to alternative crops.

The pervasive use of social media by the tobacco industry to target African youth remains concerning, necessitating stringent regulations on emerging products like e-cigarettes, shisha, and nicotine pouches.

As WHO continues to advocate for robust tobacco control, the involvement of civil society organizations and UN agencies is crucial to counter industry tactics and protect the continent’s youth.