CSOs TO ADDRESS NCDs LINKED TO TOBACCO USE

By Scoop Reporter

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) advocating for tobacco control in Zambia are focusing on mobilizing support for the Tobacco Control Bill and addressing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) linked to tobacco use through extensive public awareness campaigns and stakeholder engagements.
The CSOs have pledged to enhance grassroots education to combat misinformation and empower communities with accurate information about the dangers of tobacco use.
Tobacco Control Consortium of Zambia (TCCZ) chairperson Albert Phiri has called on President Hakainde Hichilema, who has publicly stated that he has never smoked or consumed alcohol, to demonstrate leadership by ensuring the swift enactment of the Tobacco Control Bill.
Mr. Phiri explained that the Bill aims to regulate tobacco use and is crucial for reducing the growing burden of tobacco addiction and related illnesses in Zambia.
“The Tobacco Control Bill is a vital step towards safeguarding future generations and fostering a healthier Zambia. Let 2025 be a transformative year in tobacco control, inspired by the lessons of 2024 and in memory of lives lost. Together, we can achieve a healthier and more prosperous Zambia,” he said.
He emphasized the need to strengthen youth-led initiatives to resist tobacco use and promote healthier lifestyles, particularly as young people, including children as young as 13, who face increasing exposure to tobacco and nicotine products like e-cigarettes, shisha, and vaping devices.

And Centre for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD) executive director Isaac Mwaipopo stated that the enactment and enforcement of the Tobacco Control Bill should include increased taxes, advertising restrictions, and the adoption of the “Polluter Pays” principle to hold the tobacco industry accountable for environmental damage.
In memory of those lost to tobacco-related illnesses, a candlelight vigil was held. The candlelight vigil honors those who have lost their lives due to tobacco-related illnesses and NCDs, as their stories underscore the urgent need for action to protect lives and work towards a tobacco-free Zambia.
The CSOs, including the Centre for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD), along with partners such as the Centre for Primary Care and Research (CPCR), The Master Chimbala Foundation, the Tobacco-Free Association of Zambia (TOFAZA), and the Young Professionals Network (YPN), gathered to reflect on the progress made, challenges faced, and opportunities for advancing the fight against tobacco use and its devastating effects in the country.