• Health

Protecting children from tobacco industry interference

• 3 Months Ago - 2024-05-31 08:45:00

31 May is the World No Tobacco Day (WNTD). This year, the WHO and public health champions from across the globe will come together to raise awareness about the harmful influences of the tobacco industry on youth.
This year’s theme, Protecting children from tobacco industry interference, is focused on advocating for an end to the targeting of youth with harmful tobacco products. This discourse provides a platform for young people, policymakers, and tobacco control advocates globally to discuss the issue and urge governments to adopt policies that shield young people from the manipulative practices of the tobacco and related industries. Although cigarette smoking has decreased over the years due to phenomenal efforts by the tobacco control community, more must be done to safeguard these vulnerable groups.
According to 2022 data, worldwide, at least 37 million young people aged 13–15 years use some form of tobacco. In the WHO European Region, 11.5% of boys and 10.1% of girls aged 13–15 years are tobacco users (4 million).
Why the tobacco industry is targeting youth
To keep making billions of dollars in revenue, the tobacco industry needs to replace the millions of customers who die and those who quit tobacco use every year. To achieve this goal, it works to create an environment that promotes the uptake of its products among the next generation, including lax regulation to ensure its products are available and affordable. The industry also develops products and advertising tactics that appeal to children and adolescents, reaching them through social media and streaming platforms.
Products such as electronic cigarettes and nicotine pouches are gaining popularity among youth. It is estimated that 12.5%used of adolescents in the European Region used e-cigarettes in 2022 compared to 2% of adults. In some countries of the Region, the rates of e-cigarette use among school children are 2–3 times higher than the rates of cigarette smoking.
Amendment of the Namibian Tobacco Control Act of 2010
The Cancer Association of Namibia supports the Ministry of Health and Social Services intent to amend the existing Tobacco Control Act to include “alternative” tobacco products that have reared its head in Namibia since the introduction of this legal framework in 2010.
Being an instrumental partner in the development of the initial law, CAN has on several occasions escalated the rise of especially waterpipe / hubbly bubbly/hooka pipe and similar products used especially by the youth, and at public spaces, including schools and restaurants.
CAN receives complaints regularly and escalates to the Health Ministry and Namibian Police. The amendment of the current Act and the development of a proactive tobacco control strategy for Namibia (including a cessation programme) will seek to address the current limitations and challenges.
This review and formulation of changes is anticipated to take place in mid-June 2024.
Let’s all join hands in creating a tobacco-free world and protecting our youth from the harmful effects of tobacco!