By Scoop Reporter
Members of Parliament have been called upon to reflect deeply on the significance of their decisions as they prepare to debate and vote on the Tobacco Control Bill, 2025, which aims to safeguard the lives of Zambians.
Speaking on behalf of Civil Society Organisations advocating for the bill, Centre for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD) executive director Isaac Mwaipopo emphasized that the bill is not just another piece of legislation; it is a matter of life and death for thousands of Zambians.
“As you prepare to debate and vote on this bill, we urge you to remember the people you were elected to serve and consider the 7,000 Zambians—possibly even more—who will die this year alone due to tobacco-related illnesses. Think of the families in your constituencies: the mothers, fathers, and children who have lost loved ones to cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses caused by smoking,” he said.
He explained that the duty of Members of Parliament is to the Zambian people, not the tobacco industry, and therefore, they should consider that the bill is about saving lives, protecting youth, and ensuring that Zambia’s economy is not burdened by preventable diseases and deaths.
Mr. Mwaipopo expressed confidence in President Hakainde Hichilema’s leadership, asserting that once the bill reaches his desk, it will be signed into law.
He explained that the Tobacco Control Bill is designed to improve public health and significantly reduce healthcare costs in Zambia, adding the bill does not seek to ban tobacco production but rather prioritizes the well-being of the population.
He criticized the beneficiaries of tobacco production for prioritizing profits over public health, which he deemed unacceptable as Zambia continues to experience high rates of cancer linked to tobacco use.
Mr. Mwaipopo said CSOs believe that stronger tobacco laws will save lives, reduce healthcare costs, and create a healthier future for Zambia.
He countered claims by the Zambia Association of Manufacturers that the proposed Tobacco Control Bill poses significant threats to the country’s economy, stating that such claims mislead the public.
“This bill is meant to protect Zambians from the harmful effects of tobacco, not to harm businesses as insinuated by ZAM,” he explained.
He added that sustainable investment is driven by long-term growth opportunities rather than industries that contribute to public health crises.
He pointed out that Zambia’s alignment with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) does not make it less attractive for investment.
“’ In fact, many countries that have enacted strong tobacco control laws, such as Australia, Kenya, and the United Kingdom, continue to thrive economically,” he said.
