NANGA TOBACCO CONTROL BILL YALAKWA CHANI?

IF there is anything that as a country we need to prioritize, is the health of the citizens. We all know that a healthy population is a productive one and the opposite is also true that without good health, we cannot achieve a lot of things at both household and national level and this is why this topic is of paramount importance because it affects all of us at all levels.

We are alive to the fact that the process towards the enactment of the Tobacco Control Bill into law has already commenced and we also know that there are glitches here and there and if what the proponents of this bill, the Civil Society Organizations (CSLOs), are saying is anything to go by that this process is being frustrated by some Members of Parliament (MPs) who also include some Ministers, then it is unfortunate.

We all know that tobacco use is a leading cause of preventable death and disease worldwide. Enacting the Tobacco Control Bill will help reduce tobacco use and exposure to second hand smoke, ultimately improving public health outcomes in Zambia.

The tobacco industry often targets young people as new customers, leading to lifelong addiction and health problems. The Tobacco Control Bill can help prevent youth initiation by implementing measures such as age restrictions, bans on tobacco advertising, and packaging regulations.

Zambia is a signatory to the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), which requires countries to implement comprehensive tobacco control measures. Enacting the Tobacco Control Bill will help Zambia fulfil its international obligations and demonstrate its commitment to public health.

Tobacco-related illnesses and premature deaths place a significant burden on healthcare systems and economies. By reducing tobacco use, Zambia can save healthcare costs and improve productivity among its population.

Low-income individuals, women, and marginalized communities are often disproportionately affected by tobacco-related illnesses. The Tobacco Control Bill can help protect these vulnerable populations from the harms of tobacco use.

Smoking tobacco has a wide range of negative effects on both the individual smoker and those around them. Smoking is a leading cause of various serious health conditions, including lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and respiratory infections. It can also increase the risk of developing other types of cancer, such as throat, mouth, and bladder cancer.

Smoking can damage the lungs and airways, leading to respiratory issues such as chronic cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, and decreased lung function. It can also exacerbate conditions like asthma and increase the risk of developing respiratory infections.

Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. It can damage blood vessels, increase blood pressure, and contribute to the build-up of plaque in the arteries, leading to a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Smoking can have negative effects on reproductive health, affecting both male and female fertility. It can decrease sperm quality in men, reduce egg quality in women, and increase the risk of pregnancy complications and birth defects.

Non-smokers who are exposed to second hand smoke are also at risk of developing health issues, including respiratory problems, heart disease, and cancer. Children, pregnant women, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable to the effects of second hand smoke.

Smoking can accelerate the aging process, leading to premature wrinkles, skin discoloration, and other visible signs of aging. It can also contribute to hair loss and dental issues, such as tooth loss and gum disease. Overall, smoking has a detrimental impact on both physical and mental health, increasing the risk of serious diseases and reducing overall quality of life. Quitting smoking and avoiding exposure to second hand smoke are important steps in improving health outcomes and reducing the negative effects associated with tobacco use.

Our young people have been abusing this product for a long time and the effects are uncontrollable. Tobacco use at a young age significantly increases the risk of developing serious health conditions later in life, such as lung cancer, heart disease, respiratory illnesses, and other chronic conditions. Preventing young people from starting to smoke can help protect their long-term health and well-being.

Nicotine is highly addictive, and young people are particularly vulnerable to becoming addicted to tobacco products. By controlling tobacco abuse among young people, we can prevent the development of nicotine addiction and the challenges associated with quitting smoking later in life.

Tobacco abuse among young people can have a negative impact on society and the economy. It can lead to increased healthcare costs, decreased productivity, and a higher burden on healthcare systems. By controlling tobacco abuse, we can reduce these social and economic costs.

Young people are the future of Zambia, and it is essential to protect their health and well-being. By controlling tobacco abuse among young people, we can help create a healthier and more productive generation that can contribute positively to society.

Zambia is a signatory to the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), which requires countries to implement measures to control tobacco use, particularly among young people. By controlling tobacco abuse, Zambia can fulfil its international obligations and demonstrate its commitment to public health.

Young people who smoke not only harm themselves but also expose others to second hand smoke, which can have serious health consequences for non-smokers. Controlling tobacco abuse among young people can help reduce second hand smoke exposure and protect the health of the general population.

Overall, controlling tobacco abuse among young people in Zambia is essential for protecting their health, preventing addiction, reducing social and economic costs, and creating a healthier future generation. Implementing comprehensive tobacco control measures, such as age restrictions, bans on tobacco advertising, and smoking cessation programs, can help address this important public health issue.

This is why we still insist that the Tobacco Control Bill should have been enacted into law by now if we are serious about safeguarding the health of our citizens. Those siding with those marketing the product must take deep introspection and realise that we are all affected hence the need for us to act now. To our law makers, we urge them to be above partisan politics of personal, aggrandizement and look at the bigger picture on this matter because health is wealth.

Our humble question to those who are in the position to make things move and are failing to do their honest part is, nanga Tobacco Control Bill yalakwa chani that it cannot enacted as a matter of urgency by Parliament?