STOP TARGETING WOMEN IN TOBACCO IRREGULARITIES

THE lack of regulation for flavoured tobacco and nicotine products like E- cigarettes is a troubling issue that needs to be addressed through tobacco control legislation, The Tobacco Control Consortium of Zambia has said.

In an interview, TCCZ Acting Chairperson, Muloboka Phiri expressed concern on how novel products such as e-cigarettes, vaping, and shisha were being marketed towards young women and youth in general.

Mr. Phiri said that the health risks associated with smoking, whether traditional cigarettes or new products, were significant as research from the World Health Organization showed that even a short shisha smoking session could expose individuals to the same amount of smoke as over 100 cigarettes.

He called for continuous awareness campaigns aimed at educating women about the detrimental effects of using products like insunko, a Smokeless Tobacco Product (STP) and heat for sexual pleasure used by women to stimulate their reproductive organs.

“It is sad that the tobacco industry has been increasingly utilizing women’s images in their advertising campaigns, specifically targeting them as a new consumer base,” he noted.

He said that in celebrating Women’s month, the most impactful gesture the Government could make to promote women empowerment was to finally pass the Tobacco Control Bill to protect the wellbeing of women and girls as they were prone to diseases like cervical cancer.

He urged the Government not to further delay the enactment of the Tobacco Control Bill and that it must be done with the urgency it deserved to empower women and inspire their active participation.

“It is the responsibility of the Government to guarantee that every Zambian has an equal and equitable chance to achieve optimal health,” he said.

He stated that implementing tobacco control measures not only improved public health, but also proved to be a successful approach in reducing poverty and inequalities, stimulating economic growth, and fostering sustainable development on a broader spectrum.

Meanwhile, according to the World Health Organization, women and their children face various health consequences due to exposure to tobacco