WHO Urges Ban on Public Smoking, E-Cigarettes

• WHO urges countries to enforce a 100% ban on public smoking and the use of electronic cigarettes (vaping)
• Dr. Matshidiso Moeti emphasizes implementing excise tax adjustments and graphic health warnings to reduce tobacco consumption and protect young people

The World Health Organization (WHO) calls on countries to enforce a 100% ban on public smoking and electronic cigarettes (vaping).

In a statement released on Friday to commemorate this year’s World No Tobacco Day, WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, emphasized the need for countries to implement and enforce measures such as excise tax and price adjustments to reduce tobacco consumption. Additionally, they should communicate health risks effectively through graphic health warnings, targeting populations including children and youth.

Dr. Moeti urged member states in the African Region to intensify efforts to protect young people from tobacco industry interference. This can be achieved by ensuring governments adhere to their obligations under WHO FCTC Article 5.3, implementing safeguards to shield tobacco control policies from industry interference, and countering industry tactics with evidence-based arguments.

Countries are encouraged to expedite the implementation of the WHO FCTC, particularly with stringent measures addressing the marketing of new and emerging tobacco and nicotine products. These products, such as shisha, flavoured e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and others, are often aggressively promoted on social media platforms and designed to appeal to youth.