South Africa Gears Up for New Smoking Laws Due to High Tobacco Use

Picture courtesy: (Nsuku Khosa) A recent report by the Department of Health reveals high percentage of tobacco use in South Africa with smokers starting at a young age.

(The Post News)- A recent report by the Department of Health on Thursday, June 13, has revealed that tobacco use in South Africa remains a significant concern.

The 2021 Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) found that 29.4% of the population uses tobacco, with men being more likely to use tobacco than women.

The survey, which sampled 7,245 households, showed that 41.7% of men and 17.9% of women are current tobacco users.

Daily smoking is also prevalent, with 21.2% of adults smoking daily and 4.6% smoking occasionally.

The average daily smoker consumes 8.5 cigarettes per day. Furthermore, the survey found that men spend more on cigarettes than women, with an average monthly expenditure of R273.20 compared to R207.20.

The report has raised concerns about the increasing use of alternative tobacco products, such as hookah, e-cigarettes, and vapes, particularly among youth.

Despite being marketed as healthier alternatives, these products pose significant health risks.

The Department of Health has responded by amending the Tobacco Product Control Act to include electronic delivery systems, and the amendment bill is currently being processed in Parliament.

The report’s findings reveal a concerning trend, with only a limited number (42.9%) of smokers receiving guidance from healthcare professionals to quit smoking.

To address this, the Department of Health is exploring the feasibility of establishing tobacco cessation programmes in primary healthcare facilities.

Moreover, the department is pushing for a ban on smoking in enclosed spaces, as a significant proportion (44.5%) of adults in South Africa are exposed to second-hand smoke.

Experts warn against implementing a range of measures to reduce tobacco use, including increasing tobacco taxes, enforcing smoke-free laws, displaying graphic health warnings, and banning tobacco advertising and promotion.

These strategies aim to prevent smoking initiation, especially among young people.

By implementing comprehensive laws aligned with the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, more people can be protected from second-hand smoke exposure and provided with cessation services to help them quit smoking.

Passing the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill of 2022 would be a crucial step towards reducing long-term tobacco use and the burden of tobacco-related diseases.

By taking these measures, South Africa can better protect the health and wellbeing of its citizens.